PHOENIX — A group of Arizona mayors, lawmakers, and doctors is demanding Gov. Doug Ducey take additional actions to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our state, according to a letter released Wednesday.
In the letter, local leaders and doctors urged Gov. Ducey to impose a statewide mask mandate and also asked that he reach out to President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package.
The group also said that Gov. Ducey should help increase unemployment benefits in Arizona beyond the maximum of $240. They say these unemployment benefits are the second-lowest weekly unemployment benefit in the country and the lowest nationwide in percent of lost wages replaced.
With COVID-19 cases rapidly rising and the upcoming holidays, the local leaders and healthcare workers say there is, "a need for leadership to prevent catastrophic spread in the state."
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The local leaders and healthcare workers said they applaud local governments who made the move for mitigation measures in the absence of statewide action.
There were 4,848 new cases and 108 coronavirus-related new deaths reported in Arizona as of Wednesday.
To read the full letter,click here.
When asked during a Wednesday press briefing about the calls for increased mitigation efforts, Gov. Ducey said, "We're doing everything that we can."
Here's the Governor's full response from the beginning about the calls for stronger mitigation measures in Arizona.
— Nicole Grigg (@NicoleSGrigg) December 16, 2020
Governor Doug Ducey said other leaders need to enforce steps already in place to save lives.
"Those are the facts, and that's the actions that are necessary." pic.twitter.com/gbe2OGx7ig
During the briefing, Gov. Ducey did urge all Arizonans "to please get the (COVID-19) vaccine when it's available to you."