By Richard Ruelas | Arizona Republic
The state of Arizona was still on a generalized stay-at-home order as the sun rose Friday morning. But that did not stop a handful of businesses from announcing they planned to reopen anyway, in seeming violation of Gov. Doug Ducey’s ongoing orders.
Related: Ducey releases reopening guidelines for Arizona retailers, customers
Ducey this week extended what had already been a monthlong shutdown of nonessential services in an effort to slow the coronavirus pandemic. But some small businesses had already vowed to reopen May 1 — with or without the governor’s permission.
Some firebrand business owners backed down from their vows to defy a state shutdown, while others were preparing to open their doors. The question facing Arizona on Friday was how many might really break the rules, and what, if anything, would be the consequences.
