- Associated Press - Thursday, March 25, 2021

Quotes from statements and Twitter posts by Gov. Doug Ducey and others Thursday regarding his executive order lifting Arizona’s remaining restrictions to curb the coronavirus, prohibiting government mask mandates and allowing bars and nightclubs to open without restrictions:

“I’m confident Arizona’s businesses and citizens will continue to practice the fundamentals and act responsibly as we gradually get back to normal.” - Gov Doug Ducey.

“The risk of another surge is real. The governor clearly cares a lot less about the people of Arizona than his political future.” - Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.

“Better late then never. To all the Arizona’s who have suffered so much during this year long shutdown we’re getting there slowly, but surely.” - State Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale.

“@dougducey is now preventing local leaders from protecting their communities. Virtually everyone agrees that vaccines and masks are crucial to truly ending this pandemic.” - Secretary of State Katie Hobbs.

“… the governor has made the right and responsible decision to continue moving Arizona forward and ensure that our economy and our people will again thrive,” - Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa.

“Relaxing these guidelines could counteract the great results we have had in the past weeks. I want normalcy but I also want herd immunity from #COVID19.” - State Rep. Cesar Chavez, D-Phoenix.

“As we now see objective measures showing clear virus mitigation coupled with the broad availability of the vaccine, it is a welcome sign that the business requirements are transitioning to recommendations.” - Chad Heinrich, National Federation of Independent Business state director.

“A downward trend is not synonymous with the elimination of the virus. Now is not the time to become complacent and declare victory when the virus is still prominent throughout our community.“- Health System Alliance of Arizona.

“We appreciate what the governor did today in making mask enforcement optional for businesses. ,,, The local mandates were a divisive policy without any data to back them up.” - State Rep. Joseph Chaplik, R-Scottsdale.

“This exceedingly PREMATURE and will cause BAD OUTCOMES! Haven’t enough Arizonans become INFECTED? Haven’t enough Arizonans become SICK? Haven’t enough Arizonans DIED? - State Rep. Andrea Dalessandro, D-Green Valley.

“Gov. Ducey’s guidance protects public health and entrusts Arizona businesses and citizens to continue taking the precautions that will keep everyone safe. Thank you, Gov. Ducey, for following the science and getting Arizona back open.” - Arizona Senate President Karen Fann, R-Prescott.

“Just days after he blocked a FEMA vaccination POD that could immunize 210,000 Pima County residents, Gov. @dougducey decides to upend local mask laws that protect public health.”. - Pima County Supervisor Rex Scott.

“Our restaurants know what to do, and Gov. Ducey’s updated guidance will allow them to operate the best way they see fit.” - Steve Chucri, Arizona Restaurant Association president and CEO.

“The vaccine is out far and wide, many Arizonans are vaccinated, and COVID numbers are down. We’re ready to carefully lift restrictions and trust Arizonans to make responsible decisions. - Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke.

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