Coronavirus: Tucson Police To Enforce Arizona Stay At Home Order

Editor's note: the headline of this article has been updated.

TUCSON, AZ — The Tucson Police Department is warning the public of consequences for hosting social gathering amid the new statewide order for Arizonans to stay at home.

Gov. Doug Ducey's order limits Arizonans' travel to essential activities. The police department's release says house parties, "not surprisingly," do not count as essential activities.

Police don't plan to charge everybody they find out. "Primarily, the police response to people who unknowingly violate emergency orders is to provide them with a warning and education on the importance of social distancing," the release said.

"However, scofflaws who clearly should know better will not receive the same consideration."

Attendees at such a party could be charged with a class one misdemeanor.

See more: Coronavirus: Arizona Gov. Issues Stay At Home Order

Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus said in the release that, although the consequences of being caught in a social gathering are serious, "The worst consequence would be if you pass this virus on to someone who has a serious illness or dies as a result.

"That could be a family member, a friend, or someone you’ve never met. Although it’s especially dangerous for older people and people with certain underlying conditions, this coronavirus can have serious consequences for anyone, regardless of age or health. No matter who you are, you are not immune," Magnus said in the release.

See more: Latest Tucson Coronavirus Updates

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