Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego was among those not in favor of Ducey’s actions./Flickr/Gage Sizemore
By Danny Shapiro | KTAR
Arizona leaders were quick to react Thursday to Gov. Doug Ducey rolling back the state’s remaining COVID-19 mitigation requirements.
The reaction was mixed, with some praising the Republican leader’s decision, while others disagreed.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego was among those not in favor of Ducey’s actions.
Gallego, a Democrat, said the science contradicted Ducey and worried another surge could come as a result.
“The horrible surge last June was only curbed by masking — when the governor finally allowed cities to do it,” Gallego said in a series of tweets. “To abandon precautions now is like spiking the ball on the 5-yard line.
“We know new variants are circulating. The risk of another surge is real. The governor clearly cares a lot less about the people of Arizona than his political future.”
The Health System Alliance of Arizona, an advocacy group, echoed Gallego’s thoughts and urged Arizonans to keep up mitigation strategies.
“Now is not the time to become complacent and declare victory when the virus is still prominent throughout our community,” the group said in a statement.
“COVID-19 mitigation strategies work. Arizona would not be in the position it is in right now without the combination of reduced business capacity, mask mandates and social distancing requirements.”
Democrats in the Arizona Legislature also voice their displeasure over the move.
