Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey rolled back coronavirus restrictions on Thursday, issuing a new executive order that rescinds many of his actions during the past year.

Citing lower COVID-19  case numbers and increased vaccinations, Gov. Ducey's new order lifted restrictions on businesses and events as well as rolling back what local governments can require in their jurisdictions and phasing out mask requirements.

“In Arizona, we never did a shutdown, so it’s impossible to have a grand reopening," Gov. Ducey said in a statement. "Instead, we are continuing to take reasonable, safe and sensible steps. The measures put in place last summer allowed Arizona to fight back COVID-19. I want to thank the local leaders who supported these efforts with their own measures, and the businesses who implemented them."

With more than 3 million doses of vaccines administered to 1.9 million people, including 1.19 million who have met the two-dose requirement, as well as 10 weeks of declining cases, Gov. Ducey said it was time to lift restrictions.

The number of vaccines represents about 26% of the state's population. Arizona has reported 837,987 total COVID-19 cases during the past year. Those combined mean about 37% of the state have some kind of immunity to the coronavirus.

Under the order, bars would again be allowed to be open as well as a host of events including youth sports tournaments.

The order would allow businesses to still mandate customers wear masks.

In a statement on Facebook, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego decried the decision as akin to "spking the ball on the 5-yard line."