AZDHS: All counties with COVID-19 cases must close gyms, bars, movie theaters; restaurants dine-out only

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey provides updates on the COVID-19 pandemic

Topics included the Arizona National Guard helping to ensure food banks and grocery stores can keep shelves stocked, volunteering at food banks and the latest efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus.

PHOENIX -
Under Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s executive orders, bars, movie theaters and gyms will be required to close and restaurants are restricted to takeout and drive-thru service starting Friday in the eight counties with COVID-19 cases. Those are Coconino, Graham, Maricopa, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yavapai counties.

Restaurants will be able to deliver alcoholic beverages with the purchase of food, an effort to limit the huge financial hit that restaurants are facing.

The Arizona Department of Health Services also said that restaurants are required to serve dine-out options only.

Ducey also delayed the expiration date for driver’s licenses to ensure people over 65 don’t need to visit the Motor Vehicle Division.

The DHS website still says that the level of community spread in Arizona is minimal.

This news comes after confirmed COVID-19 cases jumped from 44 to 63 overnight on Friday.

Coronavirus: Symptoms, testing and how to prepare amid growing COVID-19 outbreak

Arizona COVID-19 Response: https://www.azdhs.gov/coronavirus

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Why social distancing can save lives amid COVID-19 pandemic

Social distancing is not only about preventing the illness itself, but rather, slowing the rate at which people get sick. 

Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.

Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.

Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus, but may put you in a better position to fight it.

To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.

And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.