Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Cinco de Mayo is the holiday held on May 5, commemorating the Mexican Army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin.
In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico and the date is best recognized in the United States as a date to celebrate our culture and experiences of Americans of Mexican ancestry.
Latinos have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.
Through the years, Latin Americans have played an integral role in our Nation’s success in science, the arts, business, military service, government, and every other field of endeavor and their talent, creativity, and achievement continue to energize our national life.
The United States is a melting pot of a country made of and made for immigrants. But the Latinos have been in this area for thousands of years. And to say our culture has little impact on our community, would be a major understatement.
In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico and the date is best recognized in the United States as a date to celebrate our culture and experiences of Americans of Mexican ancestry.
Latinos have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.
Through the years, Latin Americans have played an integral role in our Nation’s success in science, the arts, business, military service, government, and every other field of endeavor and their talent, creativity, and achievement continue to energize our national life.
The United States is a melting pot of a country made of and made for immigrants. But the Latinos have been in this area for thousands of years. And to say our culture has little impact on our community, would be a major understatement.
Tags: cinco de mayo , covid19 , opinion , stay home , stay safe , fiesta , latino , Image
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona topped 9,000 as of Tuesday, May 5, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Pima County had 1,379 of the states’ 9,305 confirmed cases.
The coronavirus had killed 395 people statewide, including 105 in Pima County, according to the report.
In Maricopa County, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases had risen to 4,929.
Although the state began a “testing blitz” over the weekend, Arizona lags other states in testing for COVID-19. Because symptoms can take as long as two weeks to appear after exposure to the virus (while some people can remain entirely asymptomatic), health officials continue to urge the public to avoid unnecessary trips and gatherings of more than 10 people and have advised people to cover their faces with masks in public.
Arizona remains under a stay-at-home order through May 15, but Gov. Doug Ducey has modified his emergency declaration. Many stores have reopened with curbside and delivery business. Customers will be able to browse inside stores and get haircuts beginning on Friday, while restaurants can begin serving customers next week. Ducey has set up various new regulations, including requirements to wear masks and a heightened cleaning regimen.
People are still advised to limit contact and many businesses must remain closed, but Ducey said he wanted the state’s economy to gradually reopen.
“These habits we've acquired over the last 45 days will not be with us forever, but they will be with us for the time being,” Ducey said.
Ducey said that he will decide how to move forward based on what future testing shows regarding the spread of the virus, but explained it would be a gradual reopening of businesses now closed.
Pima County had 1,379 of the states’ 9,305 confirmed cases.
The coronavirus had killed 395 people statewide, including 105 in Pima County, according to the report.
In Maricopa County, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases had risen to 4,929.
Although the state began a “testing blitz” over the weekend, Arizona lags other states in testing for COVID-19. Because symptoms can take as long as two weeks to appear after exposure to the virus (while some people can remain entirely asymptomatic), health officials continue to urge the public to avoid unnecessary trips and gatherings of more than 10 people and have advised people to cover their faces with masks in public.
Arizona remains under a stay-at-home order through May 15, but Gov. Doug Ducey has modified his emergency declaration. Many stores have reopened with curbside and delivery business. Customers will be able to browse inside stores and get haircuts beginning on Friday, while restaurants can begin serving customers next week. Ducey has set up various new regulations, including requirements to wear masks and a heightened cleaning regimen.
People are still advised to limit contact and many businesses must remain closed, but Ducey said he wanted the state’s economy to gradually reopen.
“These habits we've acquired over the last 45 days will not be with us forever, but they will be with us for the time being,” Ducey said.
Ducey said that he will decide how to move forward based on what future testing shows regarding the spread of the virus, but explained it would be a gradual reopening of businesses now closed.
Monday, May 4, 2020
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published.
Democratic members of Congress are urging President Donald Trump to authorize FEMA to reimburse funeral expenses for victims of the coronavirus pandemic, citing ProPublica’s reporting about the administration’s policies.
“Just as with all previous disasters, we should not expect the families of those that died — or the hardest hit states — to pay for burials,” said the statement issued Friday from Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Rep. Peter DeFazio, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “President Trump needs to step up and approve this assistance so FEMA can pay for the funerals of our fellow Americans so they can be buried in dignity. It is the least he can do.”
ProPublica reported last week that Trump has yet to free up a pool of disaster funding specifically intended to help families cover burial costs, despite requests from approximately 30 states and territories. In lieu of federal help, grieving families are turning to religious institutions and online fundraisers to bury the dead.
Democratic members of Congress are urging President Donald Trump to authorize FEMA to reimburse funeral expenses for victims of the coronavirus pandemic, citing ProPublica’s reporting about the administration’s policies.
“Just as with all previous disasters, we should not expect the families of those that died — or the hardest hit states — to pay for burials,” said the statement issued Friday from Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Rep. Peter DeFazio, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “President Trump needs to step up and approve this assistance so FEMA can pay for the funerals of our fellow Americans so they can be buried in dignity. It is the least he can do.”
ProPublica reported last week that Trump has yet to free up a pool of disaster funding specifically intended to help families cover burial costs, despite requests from approximately 30 states and territories. In lieu of federal help, grieving families are turning to religious institutions and online fundraisers to bury the dead.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey gave a “green light” to reopen more businesses, he announced during a Monday press conference, including dine-in services at restaurants and barbers and salons.
Salons and similar services can reopen Friday, May 8 with reduced capacity and comprehensive sanitation procedures among the required adaptations. Ducey also suggested moving to appointment service to avoid congestion.
Restaurants may resume dine-in services next Monday, May 11, Ducey said. Establishments will be required to maintain physical distancing procedures, prohibit parties larger than 10 guests, operate at reduced occupancy and capacity and implement symptom screening for employees.
Ducey already allowed hospitals and healthcare facilities to resume elective surgeries May 1.
While businesses may soon see a return to relatively normal business operations, Ducey said that the elderly or other members of a vulnerable population should still exercise caution. The governor said that businesses and employers should still consider making extra accommodation for anyone with an increased health risk.
“If you feel sick, please say home,” Ducey said. “Take the day off, or more.”
Salons and similar services can reopen Friday, May 8 with reduced capacity and comprehensive sanitation procedures among the required adaptations. Ducey also suggested moving to appointment service to avoid congestion.
Restaurants may resume dine-in services next Monday, May 11, Ducey said. Establishments will be required to maintain physical distancing procedures, prohibit parties larger than 10 guests, operate at reduced occupancy and capacity and implement symptom screening for employees.
Ducey already allowed hospitals and healthcare facilities to resume elective surgeries May 1.
While businesses may soon see a return to relatively normal business operations, Ducey said that the elderly or other members of a vulnerable population should still exercise caution. The governor said that businesses and employers should still consider making extra accommodation for anyone with an increased health risk.
“If you feel sick, please say home,” Ducey said. “Take the day off, or more.”
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Click here to read their biggest stories as soon as they’re published.
Many people across the country experienced COVID-19 symptoms but could not get a test to confirm if they actually had the virus. Now some are looking to a different kind of coronavirus test for answers.
Antibody tests are meant to recognize a past infection. Many of these have hit the market in recent weeks and are being offered at local clinics. Officials have touted the tests as crucial for reopening the economy and developing public health strategies to contain the virus.
But there are still questions about how accurate they are. And even with a very good test, it's possible to test positive for antibodies even when you don't actually have them. Watch our new video to learn why.
Many people across the country experienced COVID-19 symptoms but could not get a test to confirm if they actually had the virus. Now some are looking to a different kind of coronavirus test for answers.
Antibody tests are meant to recognize a past infection. Many of these have hit the market in recent weeks and are being offered at local clinics. Officials have touted the tests as crucial for reopening the economy and developing public health strategies to contain the virus.
But there are still questions about how accurate they are. And even with a very good test, it's possible to test positive for antibodies even when you don't actually have them. Watch our new video to learn why.
The YMCA of Southern Arizona is accepting childcare applications from healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers through May 22, the company announced.
The move, intended to help Tucson families meet their needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, opens up childcare opportunities at six total sites for children between 1 and 12.
“Before the current crisis, we offered a variety of services to our community, however, we immediately recognized the tremendous need for emergency child care as everyone’s daily lives changed instantly,” said YMCA President and CEO Kurtis Dawson, in a statement. “We currently serve more than 200 kids every day and are happy to be able to continue serving our community as the demands intensify. Our team is committed to providing a safe place for children where they can learn, grow, and thrive even during these challenging times.”
Financial assistance is available through the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s child care program and the Priority Care Assistance Program, and tiered pricing is available at the Y, beginning at $15 per day.
After May 22, the organization will switch to operating summer day camp programming. For more information visit tucsonymca.org or email [email protected]
The move, intended to help Tucson families meet their needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, opens up childcare opportunities at six total sites for children between 1 and 12.
“Before the current crisis, we offered a variety of services to our community, however, we immediately recognized the tremendous need for emergency child care as everyone’s daily lives changed instantly,” said YMCA President and CEO Kurtis Dawson, in a statement. “We currently serve more than 200 kids every day and are happy to be able to continue serving our community as the demands intensify. Our team is committed to providing a safe place for children where they can learn, grow, and thrive even during these challenging times.”
Financial assistance is available through the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s child care program and the Priority Care Assistance Program, and tiered pricing is available at the Y, beginning at $15 per day.
After May 22, the organization will switch to operating summer day camp programming. For more information visit tucsonymca.org or email [email protected]
Tags: childcare , summer , camp , ymca , emergency , covid19 , Image
The Town of Sahuarita will reopen all town services and facilities this Friday, May 8, including the town clerk’s office, planning, and building, the Anamax Recreation Center, and more—although programming is still delayed.
“We do this cautiously and responsibly with the utmost concern for public health, and for the health of our local businesses, residents, and employees,” said Mayor Tom Murphy. “We’re eager to get back to full-capacity service to our residents.”
According to the town, “precautionary measures” will be in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 “to ensure a successful reopening.”
Public parks will also reopen with additional cleaning protocols for common areas, and the town’s May 11 council meeting will take place in the town hall chambers, open to the public.
“We do this cautiously and responsibly with the utmost concern for public health, and for the health of our local businesses, residents, and employees,” said Mayor Tom Murphy. “We’re eager to get back to full-capacity service to our residents.”
According to the town, “precautionary measures” will be in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 “to ensure a successful reopening.”
Public parks will also reopen with additional cleaning protocols for common areas, and the town’s May 11 council meeting will take place in the town hall chambers, open to the public.
Marvin Slepian, left, and Christian Bime represent the University of Arizona on a new international collaboration of academic and medical professionals.
Two physicians from the University of Arizona are among the authors of a new research paper detailing the best practice guidelines for patients in intensive care units requiring advanced life-saving therapies due to COVID-19.
Regents Professor Marvin Slepian and assistant professor Christian Bime of the Department of Medicine drew on their years of experience to help write “Advanced Pulmonary and Cardiac Support of COVID-19 Patients: Emerging Recommendations from ASAIO” just published from the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs. The paper appears in the latest issues of the ASAIO Journal as well as the journal Circulation: Heart Failure.
Described as a "Living Working Document," the paper will be continually updated on the ASAIO website as new information on COVID-19 and care for critically ill patients comes to light.
Tags: ua , uarizona , physicians , paper , covid , therapy , Image
Carlton Village Senior Care Community could soon become one of many facilities across the state offering on-the-job training as a caregiver under Gov. Ducey's recent executive order.
The order requires potential caregivers to complete 62 hours of training with a licensed healthcare professional and pass the Arizona Board of Nursing Care Institution Administrators and Assisted Living Facility Managers examination with a score of 75 percent or better.
“It provides a better opportunity to get people trained,” said Andy Briefer, managing partner of Via Elegante Assisted Living and Memory Care Companies. “We’ve been able to maintain our caregivers, but it’s a struggle. It’s always hard.”
Briefer said Ducey’s executive order helps assisted living facilities like his to provide needed support to the most susceptible population to COVID-19 while offering a career-change to those who may have been recently laid off. New caregivers will start out between $13 to $18 hourly, depending on their experience, according to Briefer. The position also offers full medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401K, and paid-time-off.
“This takes away some of the obstacles to become a caregiver. One of the hardest things about learning a new career is finding the time and being able to make money while you’re sitting in a classroom,” Briefer said. “Hopefully this creates an opportunity for people to shift. If you were working in the restaurant industry and find yourself stuck, this is a great opportunity to get involved with healthcare.”
Friday, May 1, 2020
We've made it through April and another work week. It's finally Friday and a start to a new month, so let's take a moment to reflect on what we covered today:
- The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona reached 7,962 as of Friday, May 1, according to the morning report from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
- A White House official confirmed Wednesday that President Donald Trump will visit the Phoenix Honeywell facility for an industry event May 5, despite Gov. Doug Ducey extending his stay-at-home order to May 15. (Ulterior motive - Cinco de Mayo/Taco Tuesday in style?)
- Justice of the Peace Paula Aboud, a former state lawmaker, is among the three candidates for Justice of the Peace in Pima County who won't be on ballot this year after challenges to nominating petitions.
- Carrying signs and plastic mallets, the hardworking educators of Amphitheater Public Schools recently showed how much they value their graduating seniors by placing congratulatory signs in their front yards.
- U.S. Representative Tom O'Halleran has an opinion on any future stimulus package, and how it should be more impactful for families.
