By now you have probably become aware of Governor Ducey’s Emergency Declaration and Executive Order here in Arizona following CDC recommendations.
As schools, businesses, entertainment venues and other organizations limit events or cancel them all together, local government is reacting as well. Here is a quick update from West Valley, Pinal and Cochise.
County Case Counts can be found at the Arizona Department of Health Services website. At the time of this blogpost Maricopa County had 8 cases, Pinal County had 5 cases, Pima County had 4 cases, and Graham County had 1 case. Arizona still remains at 0 deaths.
Maricopa County: The County Department of Public Health is recommending cancellation of non-essential large gatherings of more than 50 people for the next 8 weeks. The recommendation does not apply to day to day operations of organizations and businesses. People older than 60 years and others with chronic medical conditions should not attend gatherings of more than 10 people.
On March 16th, the County Board of Supervisors voted to alter the Employee Leave and Teleworking policies so that extended amounts of sick leave and opportunities to work from home are available to staff.
The Maricopa County Library System has announced it is closing all County libraries.
Cochise County has a dedicated Covid Corona Virus health hub. You will find information
and updates from the White House, Az Dept. of Health and Cochise County Department of Health along with local stats. It also contains a helpful infographic of symptoms and ways to prevent illness resource page.
Surprise has announced City Council Chambers will be closed to the public beginning with March 17th’s Council work sessions and meetings. If you were planning to comment on the agenda or work session changes to city code, you have a few choices:
1 – Email your comments prior to the work session or council meeting
2 – Phone: If you wish to comment live, you may call 623-222-1250 before or during the meeting and your name will be placed on a callback list.
3 – Video: a camera and microphone will be set up in the Council overflow room. If you wish to comment real time by video, you need to be in that room when the agenda number is called.
Surprise has cancelled or postponed several events. The Senior Center and Libraries will be closed. You can find a more detailed list of cancelled or postponed events at the City of Surprise Website.
City of Glendale: The City has announced Libraries, Adult Senior Centers and Rec Centers will be closed and classes and leagues suspended. The City is suspending all large gatherings and events until the end of April. Boards and Commission meetings will be cancelled, but City Council Meetings will be held but he public is encouraged to view the meetings over Glendale 11 online streaming.
You can find a list of services, events and gatherings affected by the Corona Virus at the City of Glendale Website.
City of Peoria: Peoria announced it is postponing city events, programs and sports leagues into the month of April. The Peoria Community Center will remain open, but the active adult and adaptive programs are suspended until April 12th.
Libraries will remain open, but programs will be suspended until April 12th. All City special programs and events are cancelled until April 12th. City parks will remain open, but ramada reservations are limited to 20 people or less.
Rio Vista will remain open, but classes and programs are cancelled until April 12th. You can find a list of cancelled and suspended activities at the Peoria website.
El Mirage announced they are closing the Senior Center, but meals will still be delivered. The iCount Festival and Spring Faire are cancelled. You can find more information about El Mirage at the City Website.
Tolleson announced it postponing water shut offs to ensure residents have access to water. The Tolleson Senior Center will be closed until April 1st. Meals will be delivered. All city events will be postponed for the remainder of March and April. City Council, Planning and Zoning, and other meetings will continue. You can find a list of cancelled and postponed events at the City website.
Avondale is canceling or postponing several sports and city events. The American Sports Center is suspending all programs, leagues and games until further notice. Youth and Adult sports leagues are canceled. Special events through early May are canceled. The Avondale Senior Center is suspending services and transportation until further notice. Passport services are by appointment only. You can read more about program and City services at the City of Avondale website.
Goodyear has cancelled Spring Training through March 22nd, Culture Pop on March 28th, Spring Concert Series March 21 and April 4, and the Goodyear Lakeside Music Fes on April 18th. Goodyear Library is closed and all recreation programs are cancelled through the end of April. Check the City of Goodyear website for updated information.
Litchfield Park has cancelled all city events until April 1st. Recreational league season will be postponed until April 1st as well. Litchfield Park pre-school and elementary schools are closed. You can get further information and update at the Litchfield Park website.
Youngtown has cancelled the March 19th Town Council Meeting, the First Amendment Auditor Training, the Sheriff’s Open House events and the Easter Egg Hunt. To find more information about Youngtown go to the City website.
Buckeye schools are closed through March 27th. The Utility Billing customer service counters at City Hall will be closed as are the libraries. Parks will remain open, but water fountains and bathrooms will be closed. The Senior Center will be closed, but meal delivery will continue. The recreation center and all activities have been postponed or cancelled.
The March 17th City Council Meeting, March 27th Concert in the Park and Spring Celebration are all cancelled. Verrado’s Founder Day, Youth sports leagues and Mayor Meck’s State of the City Address are postponed. You can find more information about cancelled and postponed events at the Buckeye City website.
Gila Bend has canceled play groups, St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and other events. The library will be closed, but the Community Center and Family Resource Center will remain open. Gila Bend Recreation has cancelled sports and practices and town events have been postponed. For more information on hours of operation and program changes, see the Gila Bend website.
Casa Grande has closed the Community Recreation Center, Libraries, the Senior Center and the Len Colla Recreation Center. To see more information about program postponements and closures go to the Casa Grande website.
The Douglas Mayor has issued a Proclamation of Emergency. Water accounts can be paid by dropping off at the drop box, paying online or by phone. The library, aquatic center and all parks will be closed. Public events have been postponed or cancelled. To find more information on postponed and cancelled events go to the City of Douglas website.
As with any virus, good basic hygiene habits with lots of soap and water are the most helpful to discouraging virus spread.