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Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.
If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be worn.
As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community transmission declines.
CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep children in school, and our economy open:
On January 4, 2021, I was sworn in as your Coconino County District 1 Supervisor. I took my oath of office amid a worldwide pandemic that resulted in the closing of businesses and government offices, creating virtual classrooms to educate our kids, and masking and social distancing. The economic outlook was bleak, and we were all trying to adjust and cope with this new reality.
There was a bright light on the horizon as modern science, with lightning speed, developed a vaccine to fight this virus. In fact, on the day of my swearing-in, Coconino County Health and Human Services (HHS) administered the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in our County.
Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.
If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be worn.
As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community transmission declines.
CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep children in school, and our economy open:
On the one year commemoration of the January 6th Capitol insurrection, Voto Latino President and CEO Maria Teresa Kumar, issued the following statement:
“Today marks one year since insurrectionists stormed the Capitol in an effort to overthrow the results of a verified, fair and free 2020 presidential election, generating unprecedented chaos and resulting in the deaths of five people. They tried to stymie a peaceful transfer of power. The attempted coup at the Capitol was the most anti-democratic visible display in a larger effort to subvert American elections and partisan attempts to stop eligible voters from casting their ballots.
“The events of January 6th and the profoundly irresponsible actions espoused by twice impeached Donald Trump and his supporters continues to poison faith in American democratic processes and institutions. In the coming days, Congress has an opportunity to safeguard our most precious right to guarantee the thriving American experiment: – equal access to the voting booth for every eligible citizen regardless of color or creed.
Realizing the demand for vaccines is still high in the community, Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccine Team is planning two separate events over two days this week. The County event will have all types of vaccines (first, second, third, and boosters for J&J, Moderna, Pfizer) and will have the pediatric Pfizer doses (first and second) for children ages 5-11-years-old.
Mental health is all around us, but, what exactly is mental health? Mental health is a person’s general sense of emotional, psychological, and cognitive well-being. Everyone has mental health every day, but it’s often ignored unless something is going seriously wrong. The best way to prevent that is to pay attention to your mental health even when you are feeling okay or even good.
Notice how your mental health is always changing. Yesterday might have been a better day than today, and that’s okay. Part of being human is moving with your emotions, and knowing when something isn’t going exactly how you want it to, check in with yourself, and reach out to your friends and family for help when you need to take some time for your mental health or don’t know what to do.
As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, please join us for upcoming events!
Hi Everyone,
Wishing everyone a safe holiday season! As we approach the end
of the year its a time to reflect on the successes of 2021. District 2
has been very busy this year working on various items outlined
below.
American Rescue Plan Funding Process
Redistricting Process
Museum Flood Area Response and Mitigation
COVID Impacts and programs
County Budget Process
Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, was presented with the Marcia Stanton Award on Dec. 16 by the Arizona ACEs Consortium at the 8th annual statewide ACEs summit.
The Arizona ACEs Consortium is a collaboration of more than one hundred individuals, state, county, private organizations and professionals from all walks of life, united by a desire to help Arizona’s children. It promotes a greater understanding of the impacts of toxic stress and trauma, and supports efforts to address and prevent them.
“The Marcia Stanton Award was established in 2018 and pays homage to the original leader of the ACEs movement, Marcia Stanton. It is awarded to an individual who displays a commitment, perseverance and dedication to spread the awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences and someone that leads action in their community to decrease the prevalence and effect of ACEs on both children and adults,” said Angie Burleson, executive director of the consortium. “This Award honors excellence in leadership, collaboration and the advancement of the PACEs movement in AZ.”
Severe winter weather has returned to the Grand Canyon this week, so it’s time to offer a few reminders on winter preparedness!
If you haven’t done so already, sign up for the Coconino County Emergency Notifications to receive voice, text, and email emergency notifications generated by Grand Canyon Dispatch and public safety officials.
When Driving: Slow down! Try to keep a nearly full tank of gas in your personal vehicle throughout the winter. Keep an emergency kit in your personal vehicle. Suggested items are extra blankets, water, extra gloves, warm hat, snow pants, snacks, traction devices, jumper cables, flag, flashlight, first aid kit, plastic sheeting, and phone charger. Be prepared for any type of emergency.
At Home: Keep extra food, water, light sources, and blankets available in case of a power outage.
When Walking: Always have the appropriate gear, clothing, and footwear. The potential for slips, trips, and falls increases dramatically in winter. It is recommended that shoe traction devices be worn while walking in icy conditions.
Winter Road Conditions and Reporting Emergencies
With the first major snow of the season arriving, here are a few reminders on park road conditions and reporting emergencies, especially during periods of inclement weather.
When a road closes in the park, Grand Canyon Dispatch, who are staffed 24 hours a day, receive the notification and immediately will update the road conditions outgoing message. This number should be programmed into your phone if it isn’t already; it is: 928-638-7496. Please do not call dispatch for roads updates unless you are reporting an emergency.
In This Issue
9 December 2021
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Perrin Ranch Tour
U.S. Forest Service Commitment
Coconino County Redistricting Process
State Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Process
Downtown Flagstaff Holiday Celebration
Winter Snow Play
Upcoming Winter Events
COVID-19 Vaccinations and Testing
Contact Us
During this season of giving, we’d like to ask you to consider donating your time (and maybe a few non-perishable items) to the Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC), a UWNA partner that has served thousands of our neighbors when they were at their most vulnerable.
The organization, which opened its doors on Christmas Day exactly 30 years ago, has provided meals through its daily hot dinner and sack lunches at its kitchen on North 2nd Street, or through its Food Bank on Huntington Drive.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Sept. 23 approved a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (Comirnaty) in certain populations who received the first two doses of Pfizer vaccine.
The Pfizer vaccine booster dose is approved to be administered at least six months after completion of the primary series of Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine in:
persons age 65+ and long-term care facility residents;
persons aged 50-64 years with underlying medical conditions;
persons based on individual benefit and risk who are aged 18-49 years with underlying medical conditions.
GCC Celebration of Art Kicks off in September
The 13th annual Celebration of Art kicks off this month at Grand Canyon. Beginning September 11th, artists will be coming to the South Rim to paint outside on location for one week. During this time, the public will be able to view the artists as they paint, capturing the ever-changing light and shadows of the canyon.
This year’s event will be a hybrid of on-site and online programming to welcome a wide variety of art enthusiasts. Here is the current schedule of events.
Now through September 18: Interested people can view the online catalog and preview studio paintings. Studio painting intent-to-purchase request forms are available to submit online, and are linked from each painting in the catalog.
September 3-18: There will be an online silent auction featuring specially selected original pieces from each participating artist.
September 11-17: Artists will be painting “en plein air” (or, outside on location) throughout the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
September 17: A featured artist will paint outside near Verkamp’s Visitor Center from 3 – 6 p.m.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that certain immunocompromised individuals who have already received an initial two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) receive an additional dose.
Emerging evidence shows some people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised experienced a reduced immune response to the initial COVID-19 vaccine series. The administration of an additional mRNA COVID-19 VACCINE aims to prevent serious and possibly life-threatening COVID-19 within this population.
If you test positive for COVID-19, immediately inform your supervisor and our NPS Public Health Consultant. This is to ensure proper public health protocols are followed and that any exposure is minimized.
Ronan King, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Public Health Service
Mobile: (202) 891-8599
Email: ronan_king@nps.gov
For all email correspondence, please also cc: Chris Glime, Captain, U.S. Public Health Service
Mobile: (202) 641-3518
Email: christen_glime@nps.gov
As of 6:00 a.m. July 6, Coconino County has moved back to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in coordination with the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests.
In line with the movement to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, Coconino County Parks and Recreation has reopened trails including Soldiers, Bridge, Two-Spot, Gold Digger, and Pumphouse Nature trails, and allowed access to the Highlands Trail, Flagstaff Loop Trail, and Harrenburg Wash.
Additionally, Fort Tuthill Disc Golf Course, Fort Tuthill Bike Park, the stables at Fort Tuthill, the Archery Range at Fort Tuthill, and ramadas are now open.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held recently at 583 S Lake Powell Blvd, Page, AZ 86040 as the Coconino Juvenile Court moves into a renovated wing at Tse Yaato High School.
Juvenile Court and Adult Probation have shared an office space in Page for decades. Over the last few years, Adult and Juvenile have planned around each other’s events, programming, court, and conferences to accommodate the limited space. This meant a reduction in the services they were both able to offer their clients. The new location has five offices, which is two more than the current space. This gives the Juvenile Court room to expand the CASA program and outreach. The facility is also only for juvenile court youth and their families and has been constructed in a deliberately softer way in order to be trauma-informed. By being located down the hall from the Alternative School they can also offer support to youth more readily.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors lifted its Face Covering Proclamation effective June 1, 2021.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors lifted its Face Covering Proclamation effective June 1, 2021. The rescission of the Proclamation results in masks no longer being required in indoor and outdoor settings in Coconino County. Private businesses still have the ability to require masks. Masks continue to be recommended for unvaccinated individuals in indoor settings. Although no longer required, Coconino County supports an individual’s decision to mask when already vaccinated based upon their own comfort level and preference.
What Happened This Week (05/13/21) recap video
COVID-19: Vacuna, Dinero y Más de 11 de mayo, 2021
More videos and information available HERE
— AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection is a platform that educates on relevant issues, celebrates Latino accomplishments, and connects Hispanics of all generations.
* Special invitation! Join our virtual Day at the Capitol on Monday, April 12 (see attachment). Registration required: https://aarp.cvent.com/d/mjqdk3/
* SSI applications are considerably down. Our good friend Jack Burns from the Social Security Phoenix office shares the attached letter. Feel free to reach out to Jack with questions: 866-331-4359 / john.p.burns@ssa.gov.
* Our Long Term Care series has launched. Visit our FB page to watch our first show: Long Term Care in our Healthcare System. This topic will be addressed every other Saturday. Next topic: Acute Care vs Long Term Care (4/17).
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) held its inaugural drop-off Community Food Drive as a socially safe alternative to its annual César E. Chávez celebration on Saturday, March 27 at the Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños, 2532 E. 7th Ave., at the corner of 4th and 7th streets, Flagstaff.
Nearly 500 pounds of food were collected, along with nearly $500 in cash donations.
All donations went to the Flagstaff Family Food Center for distribution to the community.
Thank you to former Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans for conducting Facebook Live interviews to spread the word about the event, and to supporting partners The Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños and Radio Sunnyside KSZN-LP 101.5 FM.
The event was promoted in the Arizona Daily Sun and KAFF Country 92.9 FM
The AARP Hispanic Connection will launch a Long Term Care series at 9 a.m. April 3 on its Facebook Page (prerecorded).
Click here to hear the session.
— AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection is a platform that educates on relevant issues, celebrates Latino accomplishments, and connects Hispanics of all generations.
Coconino County continues to be a leader among all Arizona counties in vaccine administration, with nearly 39% of the population receiving at least one vaccine dose to date.
To maintain this status as a leader and to keep the residents of Coconino County safe, all eligible individuals are encouraged to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. Coconino County residents ages 18 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and appointments remain available throughout the county, including at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff.
The city of Flagstaff is striving for community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030, to respond to the climate emergency and improve quality of life for all residents. With input from the Flagstaff community and technical experts, the city of Flagstaff Sustainability Program developed a draft Flagstaff Carbon Neutrality Plan to outline a framework for action over the next nine years. This plan details seven target areas of action that the city will take to reach carbon neutrality:
Governor has removed all mandatory mask requirements, capacity restrictions, and other mitigation efforts. Coconino County still requires these measures on County property and encourages their continued use everywhere.
Governor Doug Ducey (on March 25) announced several updates to the state’s COVID-19 measures, including events, businesses, and local ordinances.
The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) will conduct a drop-off Community Food Drive at a socially distanced alternative to its annual César E. Chávez celebration from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 27 at the Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños, 2532 E. 7th Ave., at the corner of 4th and 7th streets, Flagstaff.
Community members are invited drop off donations as: peanut butter, canned vegetables, tuna, and other canned protein, pasta, cereal, and canned fruit. All donations go to the Flagstaff Family Food Center for distribution to the community.
Supporting partners of the Community Food Drive include The Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños, and Radio Sunnyside, KSZN-LP 101.5 FM
During the ever-evolving COVID-19 response, Coconino County continues to remain nimble to best meet the needs of the community.
Today, in accordance with the updated Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) COVID-19 vaccination guidelines, Coconino County is expanding vaccinations to individuals aged 55 and older as part of the current Phase 1b. Also, ADHS informed Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) that it has been allocated 1,100 doses of the JANSSEN single dose COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.
Seniors in Springerville, Eagar and surrounding towns have missed visiting the Round Valley Community Services and Adult Center since it stopped hosting lunchtime meals and in-person programs last year due to the pandemic.
In fact, Community Services Director Robin Aguero says she gets calls every week from seniors asking when they can come back.
That long wait might be over soon, as the center – a partner agency of UWNA – works to slowly reopen in-person programs.
Northland Family Health Center currently has more than 1,000 appointments available for first doses of the COVID Vaccine in Flagstaff March 1through 5.
These first dose vaccine appointments are available for all those meeting this criteria:
1a or 1b populations
Living or working in Coconino County
18 years old or older
For more information or to register, please visit:
https://www.nahealth.com/covid-19-resources/covid-19-vaccination-info
Coconino County was notified by the Arizona Department of Health Services that this week’s shipment of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine continues to be delayed due to extreme weather conditions across the country.
Due to the prolonged delay and limited on-hand vaccine supply, Coconino County and some partner vaccination sites announced they must cancel and reschedule first dose appointments scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19, and now Saturday, Feb. 20. Fort Tuthill County Park is the only site impacted for Saturday first dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
Coconino County was notified by the Arizona Department of Health Services that this week’s shipment of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine allocation has been delayed due to extreme weather conditions across the country.
Coconino County COVID-19 response team staff are working with vaccination partners to assess vaccine needed for scheduled appointments and transferring available vaccine to partners to limit appointment cancellations. The County was able to provide vaccines needed for appointments at all vaccination sites in Coconino County for today; however due to the prolonged delay and limited on-hand vaccine supply, Coconino County and some partner vaccination sites must cancel and reschedule first dose appointments scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19. Impacted vaccination sites are Fort Tuthill County Park, Northern Arizona University, Northern Arizona Healthcare/Flagstaff Medical Center (Elks Lodge), and North Country HealthCare.
Only those with a vaccine appointment, Flagstaff Snow Park/Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course Ticket, or business at Luke Air Force Base may access Fort Tuthill.
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 ticket, or official business at Luke Air Force Base.
Coconino County has opened registration for an additional 1,100 COVID-19 vaccination appointments for a special extended-hours vaccination event Feb. 12 – 16 at the Fort Tuthill County Park vaccination site. The County has been allocated these additional doses from the State of Arizona due to the high performance of Coconino County and partners at administering vaccine to the public.
Those interested in scheduling an appointment can visit coconino.az.gov/covid19vaccine and navigate to the SPECIAL REGISTRATION – Fort Tuthill, Flagstaff First Dose link. Individuals without internet access or those who require assistance can call the Coconino County COVID-19 Information Line at 928-679-7300. Seniors aged 65 and over who need scheduling assistance will be placed on the County’s senior assistance list. The Information Line hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Coconino County is bringing you a new series, called the “In the Coconi-KNOW” on Facebook Live today at 12 noon.
Our team will discuss the latest County updates, news and of course, give you a look at the COVID situation in Coconino County. Tune in on the Coconino County Facebook page at noon today!
Due to an increase in snowfall, vaccination appointments at Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff for today, January 25, from 1 p.m. and onward are cancelled.
Those with cancelled vaccine appointments will be contacted directly via email to reschedule. If you have a vaccination appointment scheduled up to and including 12 p.m. today, your appointment still stands and we are expecting you to arrive. Coconino County intends to operate the vaccination site tomorrow, Jan. 25, as usual. If additional weather conditions impact, the public will be notified and those with appointments will be provided rescheduling instructions.
The Coconino County COVID-19 testing site located at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff will move to a new location effective Saturday, Jan. 23.
The move to the new site at Coconino Community College (CCC), 2800 S Lone Tree Rd. will allow the County to expand vaccine administration at Fort Tuthill County Park and at mobile sites throughout the County when additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine become available.
Coconino County will join the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s memorial to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19.
Starting at 3:30 p.m. Arizona Time, 5:30 p.m. E.T, Americans will come together for a national moment of unity and remembrance. To participate, individuals should light a candle in their window. They may also tune in at 5:30 p.m. ET for a ceremony with President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Harris, featuring the first-ever lighting of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to honor those who have died.
The Trump administration announced on January 12, 2021 the plan to release additional doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to states to expand vaccinations to individuals age 65 and older.
Moments after sending a news release about the County awaiting guidance from Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) on this matter, ADHS announced the inclusion of those individuals as priority populations within Phase 1b.
Approximately six hours after Coconino County moved to allowing priority populations within Phase 1b to make COVID-19 vaccination appointments at its Fort Tuthill vaccination site on Jan. 8, all 1,600 available appointments were booked.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) and vaccination partner organizations are working to ensure the swift administration of the available COVID-19 vaccine. The community continues to demonstrate a high level of interest in getting vaccinated; however, the available supply of COVID-19 vaccine remains limited.
The Coconino County COVID-19 Response Team is planning for the arrival of the first COVID-19 vaccine shipment, expected to be delivered in late December. The vaccine roll out in Coconino County is anticipated to begin in early January.
On December 11, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. The Moderna application for EUA for its COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be reviewed soon.
Greetings!
I am so thankful to serve Coconino County District 5 for another 4 years. My work for all citizens has been the greatest honor and joy in my life. Thank you to all District 5 citizens for re-electing me to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. I am so excited for new opportunities and possibilities of the next 4 years. In this season of change and transition, I ask you to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Please stay vigilant and safe this holiday season.
Lena
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 on FRIDAY and includes a COVID-19 situation summary, key takeaways, demographic and geographic information, hospitalizations and testing data related to Coconino County residents.
Greetings!
I am so thankful to serve Coconino County District 5 for another 4 years. My work for all citizens has been the greatest honor and joy in my life. Thank you to all District 5 citizens for re-electing me to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. I am so excited for new opportunities and possibilities of the next 4 years. In this season of change and transition, I ask you to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Please stay vigilant and safe this holiday season.
Lena
On June 5, 2020, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved a COVID-19 Re-Entry Plan for County Operations. The plan provides guidance to protect customer and employee health and safety.
Coconino County COVID-19 case numbers have followed an upward trajectory over the past several weeks. Based on this increase, and in alignment with the County’s Re-Entry Plan, effective Monday, November 23 Coconino County will return to more restrictive Phase I operations, summarized below.
“Each year, Coconino County honors those who have sacrificed to serve the country. We express special gratitude to the National Guard. Coconino County has benefited from a National Guard Team, who has supported our COVID-19 response. This group of dedicated individuals has been away from their family and friends during an especially challenging time to assist us with testing operations to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This year and every year, thank you to those who serve,” said County Manager, James Jayne.
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2020 in honor of Labor Day.
COVID-19 testing at Fort Tuthill and the COVID-19 Information Line will also be closed. The County’s COVID-19 response efforts will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
Coconino County Health and Humans Services recommends taking extra precautions when participating in Labor Day activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 safety recommendations include:
Avoid close contact with others, avoid large groups.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
Wash hands frequently.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Practice physical distancing while at social events.
Skip the celebratory events, if sick over the holiday
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
Coconino County Offices closed in honor of Independence Day
Coconino County Calls on All to Wear Face Coverings
Coconino County Emergency Fire Ban includes fireworks
DDD Virtual Town Hall Meeting
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
New COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!