Though on the surface, the latest executive order from Gov. Doug Ducey does not seem much different from previous announcements, it does have some teeth, if people want to push the envelope.

Monday, Executive Order No. 18 made it mandatory rather than just good advice to stay home if it is not essential for you to be out in the middle of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“It’s a ratchet up,” Mayor Christian Price said. “There’s not a ton of change. But it mandates social distancing.”

According to ARS 26-303, the previous declaration of an emergency gave the governor the right to exercise “all police power.” At the local level, that has the potential for repercussions, but Price said the moment is an opportunity for an education campaign for employers and employees rather than physical enforcement of mandates.

“Arizonans are staying home because it’s the right thing to do,” Ducey said.

Exceptions to the “Stay home, stay healthy, stay connected” policy include participating in “essential activities,” employment, volunteering or participation in essential businesses outlined in a previous executive order and self-employment if the office space is separate from your home and not open to the public.

The order specifically states, “No person shall be required to provide documentation or proof of their activities to justify their activities under this order.”

Ducey said, semantics aside, the “stay home” order is the same as shelter-in-place that has been ordered in several other states.

“We do not want people to feel trapped or isolated in their homes,” he said. “The weather is beautiful right now. Find a way to get out and enjoy it with physical distancing.”

An Arizona physician started an online petition to put pressure on the governor to completely lock down the state, saying the “essential” businesses were too inclusive.

Grocery stores and pharmacies remain open, and restaurants can continue to provide take-out and delivery services. The governor recommended that residents continue to buy a week’s worth of groceries for a week’s worth of needs.

The emergency situation has required different responses at different levels for the state. While the governor previously called up the Arizona National Guard to help weary suppliers keep shelves stocked, he also ordered Black Hawk helicopters to the Navajo Nation to help set up field hospitals.