Today’s News for Coconino County District 2 — COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Fort Tuthill County Park will be closed to the public this Friday, Feb. 12 through the end of the day Monday, Feb. 15, with the exception of those who have a scheduled COVID-19 vaccination appointment, a valid Flagstaff Snow Park/Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course ticket, or official business at Luke Air Force Base. Entrance to Fort Tuthill County Park will be changed to accommodate the vaccine priority.

Main Entrance: Only those with a valid Flagstaff Snow Park/Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course ticket or official business at Luke Air Force Base will be allowed to enter through the main park entrance at 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff.

Purple Sage Trail: The County is permanently changing the access to the park for individuals with vaccination appointments. Beginning Friday, Feb. 12, those individuals at Fort Tuthill for COVID-19 vaccines will only be permitted to enter the park at Purple Sage Trail, located approximately 1/2 mile north of the main park entrance off Beulah Blvd. Individuals with vaccine appointments are asked to approach the park from the north on Beulah Blvd. and turn right onto Purple Sage Trail. After completing the vaccine appointments, individuals will be directed to exit the park through the main entrance for easy access to I-17.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be open. Records will be open on Monday, Feb. 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.

The Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Animal Management office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15. An Animal Management Officer will be on duty from 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Contact the CCHHS Animal Management office at 928-679-8756 to leave a message and an officer will return the call. Call 911 for emergencies.

In the event of a snowstorm or other impactful weather during the holiday, County Public Works crews will be deployed to keep County roadways open and passable.

Coconino County’s parks and natural areas will remain open during the holiday with the exception of Louise Yellowman County Park, which remains closed, and Fort Tuthill County Park as mentioned. The Parks and Recreation administrative offices at Fort Tuthill will also be closed. The Fort Tuthill Bike Park is closed due to mud and snowy trail conditions. Bathrooms are still available at Raymond, Peaks View and Sawmill County Parks. Water has been turned off at all park ramadas.

“Kim has been a caring and committed member of the Coconino County team for more than 28 years. She has held leadership roles in various County departments during her tenure including within the County Attorney’s Office, Public Fiduciary’s Office, and the County Manager’s Office to name a few. As the Interim Director of Health and Human Services, Kim has fearlessly and tirelessly navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kim is a fierce advocate for our county and its residents. Behind her is a team that supports Kim wholeheartedly, with a passion that matches her own. We are all fortunate to have Director Musselman at the helm of CCHHS,” said County Manager James Jayne.

“I am humbled to be named to this role. It has been my great honor to serve the people of Coconino County and I thank Chair Ryan, the Board of Supervisors, and County Manager Jayne for their faith in me. I was fortunate to join this team when the Health District, Community Services, and Career Services realigned to form Health and Human Services. Helping staff come together gave me the chance to deeply understand each program’s functions and importance. The COVID-19 pandemic, on the heels of the restructure, has highlighted the benefits of an integrated and coordinated team. Despite many challenges, this group has excelled. I am proud to be leading this team and will continue to fight every day to help Coconino County emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” commented Director Musselman.

Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Northern Arizona University and a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University. Kim has lived in Flagstaff for 32 years where she and her husband, Flagstaff Police Chief Dan Musselman, raised their two grown children.

The Board of Supervisors will consider affirmation of the appointment on February 23.

Coconino County is currently administering both Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations at the Fort Tuthill vaccination location to individuals in Phase 1a and Priority Groups within Phase 1b. The vaccine administered is determined by vaccine supply. Individuals eligible for vaccination cannot select a preferred vaccine type. There is no guarantee as to the type of vaccine available for an appointment time. Second vaccine doses will be provided using the same vaccine type as the first dose as required by the manufacturer. Appointments are required to receive a vaccination. Those without an appointment on the day they are seeking vaccination will be turned away.

Other vaccination site’s vaccine type may vary by location. Moderna is the only vaccine type being administered by partner sites located in Coconino County, until further notice.

Phase 1a includes healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents and staff.

Priority populations within Phase 1b include education and childcare workers, law enforcement and protective services, and individuals aged 65 and older.

Vaccination opportunities will open at a later time for other populations in Phase 1b including essential workers and adults with high-risk conditions in congregate settings.

Definitions of priority populations within Phase 1b are:

Proof of eligibility within the Phase 1a and Phase 1b priority groups is required. Those seeking vaccination are asked to bring proof of occupation such as a paystub, employment badge, a letter from an employer or a driver’s license or ID displaying date of birth. Those without proper eligibility identification may be turned away. The Fort Tuthill vaccination site is currently open to the defined eligible groups and is not opened to the general public.

Vaccine supplies continue to be limited at this time and appointments are available on a first come first served basis at the Fort Tuthill vaccination site.

There is no cost to receive the vaccine, however, individuals with insurance should bring their insurance card. No one will be turned away for lack of insurance. Individuals without internet access in priority groups (now including those age 65 years and older) or who require assistance with registration can call the COVID-19 Information Line at 928-679-7300.

Additional partner vaccination sites will be added as available. Coconino County Health and Human Services is actively working with state and local partners to facilitate agreements that will allow vaccine to be allocated for additional distribution outside of current operations, such as pharmacies and other private providers. This will help increase access to vaccine among priority populations.

The exact timeline of vaccine distribution among remaining Phase 1 priority groups and Phase 2 and 3 populations will depend on factors such as how many vaccine types have been approved, how many doses have been manufactured and allocated to Coconino County, how many individuals decide to get vaccinated, and other logistical factors. As more vaccine is available to more groups of people, more locations will open to provide vaccine. Eventually, COVID-19 vaccine will be available through doctors’ offices, pharmacies, clinics, outpatient providers, and other healthcare facilities.

North Country HealthCare has partnered with Coconino County to offer COVID testing at both of Flagstaff locations (4th Street and University Ave). We are offering nasal swabs and saliva-based testing.

To schedule a test at either location, community members are encouraged to request an appointment online.

To schedule a COVID test in Apache, Gila, Mohave or Navajo County, find the North Country HealthCare location nearest you and request an appointment online. Off-site testing events are also available. Registration is required.

Visit the NorthCountry COVID-19 Testing Events Page for more information.

Information as of 02/12/2021:

The Coconino County Health and Human Services has issued a new weekly report entitled COVID-19 Coconino County Weekly Update.

The report is updated weekly and includes a COVID-19 situation summary, key takeaways, demographic and geographic information, hospitalizations and testing data related to Coconino County residents.

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