Mohave County officials consider rescinding state of emergency over COVID-19

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (AP) - Officials in one Arizona county plan to wait until later in the week before deciding whether to rescind an ongoing state of emergency resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors has scheduled a special meeting Oct. 8 in Kingman to discuss the possible consequences for what might happen to the county’s $9.1 million in federal coronavirus relief funding.

Board members said they want to wait until more information is available before deciding whether to lift the emergency order.

MAP: Arizona Coronavirus cases by zip code

Officials have questioned the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs about the funding, County Manager Sam Elters said.

The county declared a state of emergency in March following a statewide declaration by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey.

The declaration gives Board of Supervisors Chair Jean Bishop authority over opening businesses, schools and county buildings.

Bishop opposed rescinding the emergency declaration during a board meeting in Kingman on Oct.5.

“I don’t see any advantage to rescinding it other than as a victory for people who have been really opposed to the change in their lifestyle,” Bishop said.

Coronavirus in Arizona: Latest case numbers

While some members of the board expressed support for becoming the first Arizona county to rescind its emergency proclamation, County Attorney Ryan Esplin advised caution.

“If we lose our declaration of emergency, it sends a message to the state that says, ‘We don’t think we’re in an emergency now’. The state may decide that we don’t need the CARES Act funding, and that we’ll have to pay it back,” Esplin said.

Esplin said he believes the declaration should remain in place because its removal “creates an increased risk to the county.”

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.

Continuing Coverage

FOX 10 is working to keep you up to date with local and national developments on COVID-19. Every weekday on FOX News Now, our live coverage begins at 7 a.m. MST reporting the latest news, prevention tips and treatment information.

You can watch live in your FOX 10 News app or on the FOX 10 Facebook page.

You can also get the latest coronavirus news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.