Tuesday, March 31, 2020
The stories we followed today:
• Pima County had 202 of the state's 1,289 confirmed COVID-19 cases. A total of 24 people have now died after contracting the novel coronavirus.
• Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry is sending as many employees as he can home, either on leave or telecommuting.
• Some dumb UA students had a party during the outbreak and now Police Chief Chris Magnus is letting scofflaws know that they will break up future fiestas.
• Sunnyside School Board member Consuela Hernandez joins Adelita Grijalva, TUSD Board member and daughter of Congressman Raul Grijalva, in a mad dash to collect enough signatures to run for the Pima County Board of Supervisors seat held by Richard Elías, who died of an apparent heart attack over the weekend. Candidates have until 5 p.m Monday, April 6, to turn in signatures.
• Bad news: Bisbee Breakfast Club is closing Tucson locations until further notice.
• Some good news: Prep & Pastry, Commoner & Co. and eegee's are stepping up to delivery meals to several grocery stores; people are being more neighborly.
• Ways you can help: Banner Health is accepting donations of medical gear. Park Senior Villas at La Canada, a senior living community, is asking for a bit of love for its residents, including cards, groceries, drawings, and more.
• If you're bored: You can still get a library card online if you never bothered to get one at your local branch.
• Pima County had 202 of the state's 1,289 confirmed COVID-19 cases. A total of 24 people have now died after contracting the novel coronavirus.
• Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry is sending as many employees as he can home, either on leave or telecommuting.
• Some dumb UA students had a party during the outbreak and now Police Chief Chris Magnus is letting scofflaws know that they will break up future fiestas.
• Sunnyside School Board member Consuela Hernandez joins Adelita Grijalva, TUSD Board member and daughter of Congressman Raul Grijalva, in a mad dash to collect enough signatures to run for the Pima County Board of Supervisors seat held by Richard Elías, who died of an apparent heart attack over the weekend. Candidates have until 5 p.m Monday, April 6, to turn in signatures.
• Bad news: Bisbee Breakfast Club is closing Tucson locations until further notice.
• Some good news: Prep & Pastry, Commoner & Co. and eegee's are stepping up to delivery meals to several grocery stores; people are being more neighborly.
• Ways you can help: Banner Health is accepting donations of medical gear. Park Senior Villas at La Canada, a senior living community, is asking for a bit of love for its residents, including cards, groceries, drawings, and more.
• If you're bored: You can still get a library card online if you never bothered to get one at your local branch.
Pima County employees deemed non-essential will be asked to stay home from work until Gov. Doug Ducey’s stay-at-home order is lifted, the county announced Tuesday.
As of Wednesday, April 1, employees sent home will be eligible for county and federal pandemic leave. County employees still working in their offices will continue to do so, though efforts are being made to transition as many people as possible to work from home.
The county’s decision comes one day after Gov. Ducey issued his stay-home order.
According to Pima County, employees considered “essential” are defined as “anyone whose function is essential to the effective operation of the county or who must be physically present to perform their jobs or those employees who are involved in emergency response activities related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Pima County Board of Supervisors adopted an enhanced pandemic outbreak policy on March 17 which provides county employees an additional 80 hours of “County Pandemic Outbreak Leave.”
The county’s program will be in addition to H.R. 6201 (Families First Coronavirus Act), which was signed into law on March 18 and goes into effect April 1 to provide protected leave for employees.
County employees can receive a maximum of $5,110 from the county program if they are unable to work or telework because they are the subject of quarantine, are advised by a healthcare provider to self-quarantine or experience symptoms of COVID-19. There is also $2,000 available to employees who are caring for someone under quarantine or watching their children during that time.
“I would like to thank our employees, managers, and directors for assisting in providing essential services to the people of Pima County in these stressful and uncertain times,” County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry wrote in a March 31 memo. "Your public service dedication is very much appreciated by the Board of Supervisors and myself.”
As of Wednesday, April 1, employees sent home will be eligible for county and federal pandemic leave. County employees still working in their offices will continue to do so, though efforts are being made to transition as many people as possible to work from home.
The county’s decision comes one day after Gov. Ducey issued his stay-home order.
According to Pima County, employees considered “essential” are defined as “anyone whose function is essential to the effective operation of the county or who must be physically present to perform their jobs or those employees who are involved in emergency response activities related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Pima County Board of Supervisors adopted an enhanced pandemic outbreak policy on March 17 which provides county employees an additional 80 hours of “County Pandemic Outbreak Leave.”
The county’s program will be in addition to H.R. 6201 (Families First Coronavirus Act), which was signed into law on March 18 and goes into effect April 1 to provide protected leave for employees.
County employees can receive a maximum of $5,110 from the county program if they are unable to work or telework because they are the subject of quarantine, are advised by a healthcare provider to self-quarantine or experience symptoms of COVID-19. There is also $2,000 available to employees who are caring for someone under quarantine or watching their children during that time.
“I would like to thank our employees, managers, and directors for assisting in providing essential services to the people of Pima County in these stressful and uncertain times,” County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry wrote in a March 31 memo. "Your public service dedication is very much appreciated by the Board of Supervisors and myself.”
Tags: pima county , essential , work from home , stay at home , orders , Image
Tucson’s superb breakfast and brunch scene are a little less delicious this week after Bisbee Breakfast Club announced it would close all Tucson locations due to growing concern over the COVID-19 pandemic.
The closure includes carry-out and curbside pickups and took effect on Tuesday.
“Through no lack of support from you wonderful folks, we've powered through the last few weeks, doing our best to adapt,” the company wrote in a statement released to its Facebook accounts. “Now, however, given the growing concern over COVID-19, we've decided it's in our staff and guests' best interest to batten down the hatches and wait this terrible situation out.”
According to the company, locations will reopen “as soon as the situation allows.”
Bisbee Breakfast Club has four locations in the Tucson area: 4131 W. Ina Road on the north side, 4811 E. Sunrise Drive in the Foothills, 2936 E. Broadway Blvd in central Tucson and at 410 N. Wilmont Road on the east side.
The closure includes carry-out and curbside pickups and took effect on Tuesday.
“Through no lack of support from you wonderful folks, we've powered through the last few weeks, doing our best to adapt,” the company wrote in a statement released to its Facebook accounts. “Now, however, given the growing concern over COVID-19, we've decided it's in our staff and guests' best interest to batten down the hatches and wait this terrible situation out.”
According to the company, locations will reopen “as soon as the situation allows.”
Bisbee Breakfast Club has four locations in the Tucson area: 4131 W. Ina Road on the north side, 4811 E. Sunrise Drive in the Foothills, 2936 E. Broadway Blvd in central Tucson and at 410 N. Wilmont Road on the east side.
Tags: closed , bisbee breakfast club , covid19 , food , Image
If you’ve recently found yourself trying to stay occupied as you shelter at home, why not send a loving message to someone who needs a bit of encouragement?
That’s what Park Senior Villas at La Canada is asking of the Tucson community. The senior living community is looking for a bit of love for its residents during a time when visitations are canceled.
Send a card, drawing, notes or thoughtful message to any (or all) of the Park Senior Villas facilities:
6899 N. La Cañada Drive (Tucson, Arizona 85704)
844 N. Houghton Road (Tucson, Arizona 85748)
4950 S. Lindsay Road (Chandler, Arizona 85249)
4211 N. Pebble Creek Parkways (Goodyear, Arizona 85395
According to the company, mail will be stored for several days before distribution to residents. In an effort to keep the facilities safe, Park Senior Villas are adhering to all Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
In addition to a call for letters, the company is also interested in compiling care packages for caregivers. Donations can be dropped off at any location. Amazon, grocery delivery and mailed supplies are also accepted.
Needed items include paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, Clorox or a 99.9 percent surface cleaning product, water, diapers, baby diapers, and nonperishables. Facilities are also accepting donations of medical-grade cleaner, hand sanitizer, surgical and N95 masks, hospital gowns, face shields, and thermometers.
That’s what Park Senior Villas at La Canada is asking of the Tucson community. The senior living community is looking for a bit of love for its residents during a time when visitations are canceled.
Send a card, drawing, notes or thoughtful message to any (or all) of the Park Senior Villas facilities:
6899 N. La Cañada Drive (Tucson, Arizona 85704)
844 N. Houghton Road (Tucson, Arizona 85748)
4950 S. Lindsay Road (Chandler, Arizona 85249)
4211 N. Pebble Creek Parkways (Goodyear, Arizona 85395
According to the company, mail will be stored for several days before distribution to residents. In an effort to keep the facilities safe, Park Senior Villas are adhering to all Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
In addition to a call for letters, the company is also interested in compiling care packages for caregivers. Donations can be dropped off at any location. Amazon, grocery delivery and mailed supplies are also accepted.
Needed items include paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, Clorox or a 99.9 percent surface cleaning product, water, diapers, baby diapers, and nonperishables. Facilities are also accepting donations of medical-grade cleaner, hand sanitizer, surgical and N95 masks, hospital gowns, face shields, and thermometers.
Tags: cards , love , gifts , donations , seniors , covid19 , Image
The Banner Health Foundation is accepting donations of medical supplies and personal protective equipment for use in Banner Health’s Arizona hospitals and medical centers.
Donations can be dropped off, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Banner Health Home office located at 575 E. River Road. The foundation asks that any donation be an unused item that the business or resident does not currently need, and not a new item purchased for the purpose of donating.
The following unused items are needed:
For the safety of volunteers and staff, place donations in the trunk of your vehicle and pull into the donation line on site. A volunteer will unload the items.
Banner Health is also accepting donations of medical supplies and PPE in Phoenix and Payson.
“Amid this unprecedented time in our history, it has been incredible to witness the generosity of our community members who want to give back,” said Andy Kramer Petersen, president, and CEO of the Banner Health Foundation. “We continue to be inspired by the many people, groups, and companies offering to help, even while caring for their own families in these rapidly shifting times. We hope to make it as easy as possible for them.”
Donations can be dropped off, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Banner Health Home office located at 575 E. River Road. The foundation asks that any donation be an unused item that the business or resident does not currently need, and not a new item purchased for the purpose of donating.
The following unused items are needed:
- Masks (N95 and Surgical/Procedural)
- Disinfecting wipes (Clorox, Lysol, other brands)
- Alcohol-based cleaning wipes such Sani-cloth wipes
- Non-sterile gloves (nitrile)
- Protective face shields or goggles that can be worn over glasses
- Isolation or surgical gowns
- Shoe covers
- Non-perfumed hand sanitizer appropriate for use in a clinical setting, with greater than 60% ethanol alcohol or 70% isopropanol (No gels containing glitter, please)
- Paper towels
- Liquid hand soap
- Homemade masks for optional social-comfort use by Banner’s health care workers (Note these cannot be worn by those providers who are directly caring for COVID-19 patients, nor those in any procedure rooms or isolation areas.)
For the safety of volunteers and staff, place donations in the trunk of your vehicle and pull into the donation line on site. A volunteer will unload the items.
Banner Health is also accepting donations of medical supplies and PPE in Phoenix and Payson.
“Amid this unprecedented time in our history, it has been incredible to witness the generosity of our community members who want to give back,” said Andy Kramer Petersen, president, and CEO of the Banner Health Foundation. “We continue to be inspired by the many people, groups, and companies offering to help, even while caring for their own families in these rapidly shifting times. We hope to make it as easy as possible for them.”
Tags: covid19 , donations , health , hospital , equipment , Image
On Tuesday, Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner announced that the company would take the temperatures of all its employees as they arrive to work. This new measure includes all Walmart facilities: stores, clubs, and distribution centers.
Shipping infrared thermometers to all locations will take up to three weeks.
In a company communication, Furner said employees will also be asked health screening questions. Any employee with a temperature exceeding 100 degrees will be paid for reporting to work and asked to return home and seek any necessary medical attention.
Employees will not be able to return to work until fever-free for at least three days.
“As our company and country continue to deal with the spread of COVID-19, we remain focused on the health and safety of our associates,” Furner wrote.
Furner added that the company’s emergency leave policy will allow employees to stay at home if they have any COVID-19 related symptoms or concerns, or if they are in quarantine.
In addition to temperature checks, Walmart is also making masks and gloves available to any employee who wants to wear them (as supplies permit). Furner wrote that masks should arrive within two weeks.
“We will continue to consult with health officials and experts inside and outside Walmart as this situation evolves,” Furner wrote. “We greatly appreciate the work our associates are doing for customers, members, and their communities, and we will continue to prioritize their health and well-being.”
Shipping infrared thermometers to all locations will take up to three weeks.
In a company communication, Furner said employees will also be asked health screening questions. Any employee with a temperature exceeding 100 degrees will be paid for reporting to work and asked to return home and seek any necessary medical attention.
Employees will not be able to return to work until fever-free for at least three days.
“As our company and country continue to deal with the spread of COVID-19, we remain focused on the health and safety of our associates,” Furner wrote.
Furner added that the company’s emergency leave policy will allow employees to stay at home if they have any COVID-19 related symptoms or concerns, or if they are in quarantine.
In addition to temperature checks, Walmart is also making masks and gloves available to any employee who wants to wear them (as supplies permit). Furner wrote that masks should arrive within two weeks.
“We will continue to consult with health officials and experts inside and outside Walmart as this situation evolves,” Furner wrote. “We greatly appreciate the work our associates are doing for customers, members, and their communities, and we will continue to prioritize their health and well-being.”
Tags: walmart , infrared , scanner , temperature , covid19 , Image
Schools are closed, restaurants are closed, stores are closed. If you do venture out for any reason, you'll notice that everything has been shuttered to some degree due to precautionary measures for COVID-19. And, yes, that means the public library, too.
But, fear not! You can still get your hands on a library card if you don't have one (or if you need to get one for your child) to use the Pima County Library's digital assets. And you don't even have to worry about social distancing.
You can now get a full-service library card by email or phone through the Pima County Library site, just by sharing some information and your identification. Even if you don't have that, you can get an "Online Only" card issued to you.
Get your library card so you can whisk yourself away on an adventure and take your mind off of the whole "self-isolation" thing, or edutain your kids while they're home from school. And if you already have a library card, why not start now?
But, fear not! You can still get your hands on a library card if you don't have one (or if you need to get one for your child) to use the Pima County Library's digital assets. And you don't even have to worry about social distancing.
You can now get a full-service library card by email or phone through the Pima County Library site, just by sharing some information and your identification. Even if you don't have that, you can get an "Online Only" card issued to you.
Get your library card so you can whisk yourself away on an adventure and take your mind off of the whole "self-isolation" thing, or edutain your kids while they're home from school. And if you already have a library card, why not start now?
Tags: library , card , online , digital , asset , pima county , Image
There are now two new Democratic candidates running for the Pima County Supervisors District 5 seat left vacant after Supervisor Richard Elias died this past Saturday.
Consuelo Hernandez filed a Statement of Interest as well as a Statement of Organization with the Pima County Elections Department on Monday, according to Mary Martinson, elections unit supervisor for Pima County Elections Department.
Hernandez is currently running for Pima County Recorder after long-time county recorder F. Ann Rodriguez announced she will not seek reelection for an eighth term. It is unclear whether or not Hernandez intends to run for both offices. Should she win both campaigns, she would have to choose which office she planned to serve.
Adelita Grijalva also filed a statement of interest for the District 5 seat yesterday. However, she has yet to file a statement of organization at this time. Grijalva's decision to run is supported by Elias' surviving wife and daughter, Emily, and Luz, according to Grijalva's Facebook post announcement.
Grijalva's father, Congressman Raul Grijalva served as a Pima County Supervisor for District 5 from 1989 to 2002, when he resigned his position to run for Arizona's 7th congressional district. Elias was appointed to her father's vacant seat.
While the primary election is in August, the four remaining supervisors will have to choose a replacement for Elias to serve the remainder of his term. Supervisors are expected to discuss that process, which normally involves interviews and forums with applicants, at the next regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday, April 7, according to Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson.
Consuelo Hernandez filed a Statement of Interest as well as a Statement of Organization with the Pima County Elections Department on Monday, according to Mary Martinson, elections unit supervisor for Pima County Elections Department.
Hernandez is currently running for Pima County Recorder after long-time county recorder F. Ann Rodriguez announced she will not seek reelection for an eighth term. It is unclear whether or not Hernandez intends to run for both offices. Should she win both campaigns, she would have to choose which office she planned to serve.
Adelita Grijalva also filed a statement of interest for the District 5 seat yesterday. However, she has yet to file a statement of organization at this time. Grijalva's decision to run is supported by Elias' surviving wife and daughter, Emily, and Luz, according to Grijalva's Facebook post announcement.
Grijalva's father, Congressman Raul Grijalva served as a Pima County Supervisor for District 5 from 1989 to 2002, when he resigned his position to run for Arizona's 7th congressional district. Elias was appointed to her father's vacant seat.
While the primary election is in August, the four remaining supervisors will have to choose a replacement for Elias to serve the remainder of his term. Supervisors are expected to discuss that process, which normally involves interviews and forums with applicants, at the next regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday, April 7, according to Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson.
Tags: district 5 , vote , hernandez , grijalva , pima county , supervisor , Image
Monday, March 30, 2020
A nursing and rehabilitation facility located in Tucson reported 27 confirmed COVID-19 cases among its residents and patients.
Sapphire of Tucson announced the results Monday morning. According to the company, 24 patients and three employees tested positive. Sapphire is located at 2900 E. Milber St., near Banner-University Medical Center South.
"As soon as the first patient showed symptoms, we were immediately in touch with the Pima County Department of Health," the company said in a statement.
Sapphire said it will continue to work closely with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Pima County officials and additional health experts to ensure "we are taking every possible step to provide the appropriate care to all our residents."
"The source of the infection is unclear and remains under investigation," the company said.
Sapphire added that "infection control, patient safety, and patient care" are their top priority.
"Members of our staff are also complying with guidelines for infection prevention and control," the company said. "We have instructed any staff member who believes they may have been exposed to the virus, or are developing symptoms of respiratory infection, to leave work and self-isolate at home.
According to the state, there are currently 1,157 confirmed cases, and 187 in Pima County. COVID-19 is also responsible for 20 deaths in Arizona.
The Pima County Health Department has announced six deaths. The most recent was announced Sunday, March 29: A male between the age of 41 and 65 with underlying health conditions that put him at risk for the disease.
The county reported another death on Saturday, March 28, but would only release that it was a "male hospice patient between the age of 18 and 40."
According to the state, the majority of cases occur in individuals between the ages of 20 and 44. Arizona's risk of spreading COVID-19 is considered "Widespread."
Sapphire of Tucson announced the results Monday morning. According to the company, 24 patients and three employees tested positive. Sapphire is located at 2900 E. Milber St., near Banner-University Medical Center South.
"As soon as the first patient showed symptoms, we were immediately in touch with the Pima County Department of Health," the company said in a statement.
Sapphire said it will continue to work closely with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Pima County officials and additional health experts to ensure "we are taking every possible step to provide the appropriate care to all our residents."
"The source of the infection is unclear and remains under investigation," the company said.
Sapphire added that "infection control, patient safety, and patient care" are their top priority.
"Members of our staff are also complying with guidelines for infection prevention and control," the company said. "We have instructed any staff member who believes they may have been exposed to the virus, or are developing symptoms of respiratory infection, to leave work and self-isolate at home.
According to the state, there are currently 1,157 confirmed cases, and 187 in Pima County. COVID-19 is also responsible for 20 deaths in Arizona.
The Pima County Health Department has announced six deaths. The most recent was announced Sunday, March 29: A male between the age of 41 and 65 with underlying health conditions that put him at risk for the disease.
The county reported another death on Saturday, March 28, but would only release that it was a "male hospice patient between the age of 18 and 40."
According to the state, the majority of cases occur in individuals between the ages of 20 and 44. Arizona's risk of spreading COVID-19 is considered "Widespread."
Tags: covid19 , coronavirus , nursing home , infections , Image
Businesses who employ up to three employees and generate less than $250,000 in annual revenue can apply for immediate assistance. Businesses must also be independently owned and operated (no franchises), and priority will be placed on business owners with children under 18 at home, as well as families that rely on their business as their sole income.
“It’s a devastating and uncertain time to be a small business owner in Arizona,” said Local First Arizona Founder Kimber Lanning. “Everything you love is on the line, but the community you’re ingrained in is still at top of mind. We are echoing the voices of small businesses across the state: debt is not a solution for our smallest businesses. We ask others to join us, the health of our local economy and state depend on it.”
Funds can be used to cover business expenses, employee salaries, and other operations. Applications for aid will be reviewed every week by regional review panels covering northern, central and southern Arizona. Within 7 days of review, applicants will be informed of their status.
If approved, a business will receive funding within five business days.
Initial sponsors of the fund include the Salt River Project and Jack Pfister Support Fund. Local First Arizona is also asking the public to contribute to the fund. Donations begin at $25.
"As a small business, we have very low cash buffers which leaves us facing a race against the financial battle for survival,” said Pop Cycle co-owners DeeDee Koenen, Shannon Riggs, and Jennifer Radler.
Apply for financial aid, or make a contribution, online by clicking here. (localfirstaz.com/small-business-relief-fund.)
Tags: small business , relief , fund , local first , arizona , Image
