An unnamed man in his 70s with pre-existing health conditions is the second Pima County resident to die in the COVID-19 pandemic, the county health department announced Thursday.

The first was a woman in her 50s who also had underlying health conditions.

“It is an upsetting reality that we will continue to see the number of cases and, sadly deaths, continue as we confront this outbreak,” said Paula Mandel, Deputy Director of the Health Department, in a statement. “Please remember, we all have a role to play in protecting people who are at high risk for severe outcomes, protecting our healthcare system from being overrun, and protecting ourselves to keep those around us safe.”

As the number of COVID-19 cases in Pima County continues to rise each day, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to extend their mandate on the closure of all movie theaters, gyms, restaurants, bars and other places where people gather in unincorporated parts of the county. Restaurants are still allowed to operate through take-out or drive-thru service only.

The closure was supposed to last until Tuesday, March 31, but the supervisors held an emergency meeting today to extend it to Friday, April 10.

Democratic Supervisors Richard Elías, Sharon Bronson and Ramón Valadez voted in favor, while Republican Supervisors Ally Miller and Steve Christy voted against it.

The move follows Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman's order to close all K-12 public schools through April 10.

Miller and Christy were opposed to the idea of closing businesses last week. They called the measure "draconian" and said it would cause unnecessary panic within the community.

At today's meeting, Christy said he acknowledges the very real health crisis at hand, but talked about a crisis within the small business community.

"Why are we choosing that date other than it's the governor's?" Christy said. "It's obvious that the April 10 deadline is going to probably be asked to be extended again. These deadlines made only to be extended cause damaging uncertainty to business."

He called for finding "creative ways" to get people back to work. Miller asked if restaurants could be reopened but have their capacities lowered to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Pima County needs a lot more personal protective gear for healthcare workers on the front line of dealing with the COVID-19 virus that state officials now consider to be be in widespread transmission.

Pima County got a shipment from the state's portion of the federal National Strategic Stockpile, but it's not nearly enough, even when combined with the supplies that Pima County was able to find from outside sources, according to Pima County Health Director Bob England.

"It was just a pathetic drop in the bucket compared to the need," England said in his morning briefing via YouTube.

Pima County could only deliver 9 percent of the surgical masks that were requested, 3 percent of the goggles and face shields that were requested, 2 percent of the gloves that were requested and only 1 percent of the gloves that are worn.

England said the county is continuing to search for alternative solutions, such as working with local distilleries to create hand sanitizer.

"We are pulling out every stop we can but we can't supply what doesn't physically exist and right now, all this stuff is backlogged all around the country," England said. "This is just another reason to, please, don't go seek healthcare right now if you don't need it. We need to preserve these supplies for the healthcare workers who take care of us when we need it."

Gov. Doug Ducey touted the release of 25 percent of the state's supply from the Strategic National Stockpile earlier in the week and said the state had requested more supplies.

Ducey announced today more steps to prepare hospitals for an anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases, including asking hospitals to develop strategies to re-route non-critical patients to other providers, create plans to increase staffing levels, increase bed capacity by 50 percent by April 24, require pediatric hospitals to accept patients up to 21 years of age and increase Medicaid payments to hospitals.

Meanwhile, with COVID-19 cases now confirmed in all Arizona counties except Greenlee and Gila counties, state health officials upgraded Arizona's status to "widespread transmission" of COVID-19.

“Given widespread transmission, all Arizonans should expect that COVID-19 is circulating in their community,” said Dr. Cara Christ, Arizona Department of Health Services director. “COVID-19 is a serious disease that is highly contagious and can be fatal in anyone, especially our elderly population and people with underlying health conditions. Protecting those at highest risk of complications and ensuring that our healthcare system is prepared to deal with a surge in cases is our highest priority. It is imperative that everyone takes precautions to protect themselves and their family from this disease.”

Okay, we're sad, too. With our libraries closed, we miss you. We miss helping you find books, dancing at Storytime, navigating job resources, and much more. But while we're apart, don't forget you can still enjoy all that we have to offer from the comfort of your own home!

Step 1. Check out our website. We've got all kinds of online fun front and center! Free with a library card, here are some things you can do at home.

Step 2. There's more! Check out these great magazines.


Step 3. Stay entertained.

We know, we've got cabin fever, too. But just because things are tough, entertainment is at your fingertips 24 hours a day (hopefully, you're still getting some sleep, though!).

Step 4. Call us if you need help! Infoline is still running! Call us at (520) 791-4010 if you get stuck.

We can't wait to see you again! In the meantime, remember... we're still here for you!

If you're having a hard time affording pet food and needs during the coronavirus shut down, come see Lizzie Mead, owner of the Silver Sea on Fourth Avenue. Mead's shop doubles as a pet food pantry giving away dog and cat food, leashes, collars and other pet related items for those with low-income or temporarily in need.

"Sometimes that includes Fourth Avenue employees especially during a crappy summer and they might need some food too," Mead said. "I've decided I'm going to be working from (Silver Sea). They can knock on the door and I'll hand them a bag of dog food or cat food or whatever they may need."

While Silver Sea is closed to the public during the shut down, Mead posted hours of when the pet food pantry will be open on her store's door. Typically the hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 2-5 P.M. , but the hours do change at times, said Mead.

"This is the time to be passing out pet food," Mead said. "I am not going to stop passing out pet food. Especially right now."

The Silver Sea is located at 330 N. 4th Avenue.  Mead encourages those in need to call her shop at 520-624-9954 with any questions about the pantry.

A total of 508 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Arizona on Thursday, March 25, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services.

That's a jump of 107 from yesterday's 401.

There are now 75 confirmed cases in Pima County.

The virus has killed 8 people in Arizona, including a Pima County woman in her 50s who had underlying health conditions.

In Maricopa County, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has risen to 299, with 48 more cases being reported than yesterday.

Health and government officials have urged the public to avoid unnecessary trips and gatherings of more than 10 people. They warn that the extremely contagious virus is rapidly spreading in the community. Symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear, so people can pass COVID-19 without realizing they have been infected with it. Some people remain entirely asymptotic but are carriers.

Arizona's schools remain closed at least through April 10. Here's a list of places where school districts are providing free meals for kids. And here's a list of some educational resources that parents can turn to while their kids are at home.

As COVID-19 has spread, local and state officials limited restaurants to take-out and delivery services in counties where cases of the virus have been confirmed. The Pima County Board of Supervisors is set to vote today to extend that closure through April 10 - more details on that when they become available. Here’s a parital list of restaurants that are offering take-out and delivery services.

The closures and recommendations to avoid shopping and commerce have hammered the local economy. Small businesses are teetering on the edge and layoffs are skyrocketing. If you need assistance finding a job, here are some resources. If you need help stocking your kitchen, you can find food banks and pantries here.

Courts have rescheduled most hearings to avoid spreading the virus and the release of some nonviolent offenders from Pima County Jail is in the works.

In the face of the spreading virus, Gov. Doug Ducey halted to evictions for 120 days; ordered bars, gyms and theaters to be closed in any county with confirmed COVID-19 cases; halted all elective surgery to keep hospital beds available for COVID-19 patients; loosened regulations to make telemedicine more available and increase eligibility for AHCCCS, the state's Medicaid program; and activated the National Guard to assist in grocery stores as Arizonans clear the shelves.

COVID-19 symptoms typically occur two to 14 days after exposure, and include headache, fever, cough, and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. However, some cases of the virus are entirely asymptomatic. Practices to avoid infection include social distancing (of at least six feet), washing your hands, avoiding unnecessary trips and not touching your face. COVID-19 can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on stainless steel and plastic surfaces up to three days.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, speak with a healthcare provider for medical advice. According to the CDC, people who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Stay at home and avoid public transportation, but stay in touch with your doctor. If you do leave your home, wear a facemask and clean your hands often. If you develop more severe symptoms (persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, bluish lips) get medical attention immediately. Your local health authorities will give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.

Have you caught COVID-19? Are you feeling ill? Is your small business struggling to make it? Have you lost your job as a result of the outbreak? Are you struggling to manage your kids while schools are closed? Tell us your COVID-19 stories. Send an email or photo to [email protected].

For more Claytoonz click here.

Here's a roundup of the coronavirus news we've been following today:

• A total of 401 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed in Arizona, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services. That's a jump of 75 from yesterday's 326. Pima County had 49 confirmed cases in Pima County. The virus has killed 6 people in Arizona, including a Pima County woman in her 50s who had underlying health conditions. More details here.

• Nonviolent defendants may be soon released from Pima County Jail so they can avoid catching the bug should it spread in lockup.

• Drive-Thru coronavirus testing in Pima County has hit a speed bump: While test kits are available, local health officials are scrambling to find enough swabs and other sterile equipment to take samples from people.

• The Rialto Theatre has launched a fantasy concert series. Check out tonight's bill here.

• Nevermind about that whole theft of test kits from El Rio Clinic thing.

• COVID-19 IS NOT THE FLU.

• The Salvation Army is holding a food drive to collect meals for seniors who cannot grocery shop (and details where you can find food support if you're in a pinch). Plus: Pics from today's food drive by Interfaith Community Services.

• The Tucson Weekly could use your support.

Downtown's Rialto Theatre, shuttered for the foreseeable future thanks to our global pandemic, is launching a fantasy concert series. Friday's show has Calexico opening for Bruce Springsteen, which is kind of my dream come true.

"I had this idea last night because I saw a pic of another venue’s marquee on Twitter, someone lamenting the shows they’re not going to get to see," Rialto Theatre Foundation Executive Director Curtis McCrary said. "And I thought, well what if we just imagine all the incredible shows we could have if the only limit was our imaginations? Fantasy is a better place to reside than reality, for the moment. And reflecting on this better world also made me appreciate all the amazing things that have happened at this place. So, here’s a wish for better times."

The marquee calls back to Prince's "Paisley Park":


Have you caught COVID-19? Are you feeling ill? Is your small business struggling to make it? Have you lost your job as a result of the outbreak? Are you struggling to manage your kids while schools are closed? Tell us your COVID-19 stories. Send an email or photo to [email protected].

About 140 people currently locked up in Pima County jail could receive an expedited release, thanks to an all-hands-on-deck effort from local criminal justice agencies over the weekend.

Last week Pima County Public Defender Joel Feinman sent a memo to other criminal justice agencies urging a move to release as many nonviolent defendants from the jail as possible, given the COVID-19 health emergency.

COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, is a highly contagious disease that can flourish inside jails in prisons.

“There is ample scientific evidence that talks about why this population is more vulnerable to the disease,” Feinman said. “This disease flourishes in conditions of overcrowding, where people are living together in very close quarters, where they have substandard health care, and where there are not as rigorous cleaning protocols in place. You basically just defined jails and prisons across the country.”

The Pima County Attorney’s Office asked the public defenders to generate a list of all defendants they believe should be released. These are individuals considered not dangerous to the community, and are most often facing low-level drug possession charges.

The defendants fall into two categories: those who are awaiting hearings on petitions to revoke probation, and those who are in custody awaiting their trial and have not been convicted.

People who do not have the financial resources to pay their bail must stay in custody until their trial, meaning the people who are at a higher risk of being exposed to COVID-19 are most commonly poor people.

“Given that so many of them are charged with nonviolent drug offenses, and the overwhelming majority of them are in jail because they’re too impoverished to pay for their bail, it’s inhuman to condemn people to illness and death because they can’t afford to post $1,000 bail on a drug possession case,” Feinman said. “It’s simply inhuman.”