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District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler weekly update

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April 24, 2020
COVID-19 Information
Business Help Information:
Mental Health & Well-being Resources:
Guidance: Use of Cloth Face Covers
On Friday April 3, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended wearing cloth face-coverings in public settings where other physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

The CDC advises that the use of simple cloth face-coverings may slow the spread of the virus and possibly help people who have the virus, and are asymptomatic, from transmitting it to others.  It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet physical distancing and following hand hygiene remains important to slowing the spread of the virus.  Fabric face covers are to be used in addition to these strategies.

The recommended cloth face-coverings are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those masks are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

The Arizona Department of Health Services recommends that individuals engaging in essential services who can safely manage their own cloth face-coverings should consider wearing non-medical cloth face-coverings when they are unable to appropriately physically distance themselves from others.  Accordingly, Coconino County employees may voluntarily wear a covering over their mouth and nose to help everyone stay safe and healthy and only if they can do so safely based upon their work.

Note: Cloth face-coverings should never be placed on children under age two, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face-covering without assistance. 

How to Use a Cloth Face-Covering

Cloth face-coverings must be used appropriately.  Inappropriate use or removal of the covering can increase the risk of transmission to the user and others.

  • Cover the mouth and nose with the cloth face-covering and minimize gaps between the face and face-covering.
  • The cloth face-covering should fit snugly but comfortably against the sides of the face.
  • It should be able to be secured with ties, or a head strap.
  • It should allow for breathing without restriction.  If at any point the cloth face-covering restricts breathing, discontinue use.
  • Always use the following safety protocols when using a cloth face-covering:
    • Wash the cloth face-covering before use.
    • Before putting a cloth face-covering on, clean your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol.
    • Do not touch your face or the cloth face-covering while in use; if you do, wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol.
    • To remove the cloth face-covering; remove it from behind your face (do not touch the front); avoid shaking it in order to minimize the possibility of dispersing virus particles through the air; place the cloth face-covering in a bag. After removing the cloth face-covering from your face, promptly clean your hands in accordance with guidelines.
    • If you need to eat or drink while wearing the cloth face-covering, remove the face-covering while maintaining physical distancing practices. Do not pull down the cloth face-coverings to eat, drink, or talk. Always make sure to wash your hands before and after removing it.
    • Reusable cloth face-coverings should be properly laundered daily.
Reference Links For Homemade Masks:
Glossary of Terms

  • Isolation – A sick person with COVID-19 is isolated to prevent spread to other people
  • Quarantine – A healthy person who might be exposed is quarantined to prevent possible spread to other people. This person is monitored for symptoms during their quarantine
  • Surveillance – A information gathering method which watches Health Care centers and facilities for possible COVID-19 cases
  • Monitoring – A process of CCHHS contact with individuals to watch for symptoms among individuals
  • Presumptive positive – A positive case from the State lab. HHS Treats presumptive positive cases as if they are confirmed cases
  • Confirmed case – A presumptive positive case confirmed by the CDC lab. These cases are treated as positive case by HHS.

For more information, email: COVID19Information@coconino.az.gov
Office of the Governor Doug Ducey 
Executive Orders
Press Releases
Navajo Nation
For Immediate Release
Navajo Nation Public Health Orders
Download the Navajo Nation Health Command Operations Center organizational chart, HERE.
The Department for Self Reliance’s Need-Based Programs Available to Families
and Individuals, Living on the Navajo Nation, During the COVID-19 Pandemic
For Immediate Release
April 15, 2020

Window Rock, AZ – The Department for Self Reliance (DSR) is established under the Navajo Nation Division of Social Services (NDSS) to provide the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program for eligible Navajo Nation families with minor children.

Since January 8, 2020, the following need-based programs: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Navajo School Clothing Program (NSCP), General Assistance (GA), Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), and the Burial Assistance (BA) program have been placed under the DSR, as the Navajo Family Assistance Services (NFAS), to begin transitioning services to automation.

The DSR provides essential services, therefore staff are available at all DSR locations to answer phone calls, respond to emails, and accept TANF, BA, LIHEAP, GA, CSBG documents and applications, via drop boxes. “The DSR remains committed to serve DSR families and applicants during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be taking precautions by not allowing Customers, applicants or the public into any DSR locations,” stated Roxanne Gorman, DSR Department Manager III.

To request for an application for any of the DSR’s services, call (866) 347-2403, email info@nntanf.org, visit www.nndss.navajo-nsn.gov or www.nnpsr.navajo-nsn.gov. Applications and documents can be scanned and emailed, mailed, or placed in drop boxes at each DSR location. For drop-off service, upon arrival call the DSR office. A DSR staff member will retrieve your documents from the drop box. All DSR services are need-based programs that require an application for services to determine eligibility for assistance.

NFAS Burial Assistance is a P.L. 93-638 program, unlike the NDSS COVID-19 Burial Assistance program, which is a separate general funded program for those who have lost their lives to COVID-19. NFAS Burial Assistance provides funds to assist with the burial expenses of deceased indigent individuals who do not have sufficient resources to meet funeral expenses. NFAS P.L. 93-638 Burial Assistance and NDSS COVID-19 Burial Assistance are available with the following contracted mortuaries:
  • Alameda Mortuary, Albuquerque, NM (505) 898-3160
  • Compassion Mortuary, Grants, NM (866) 292-0086
  • Cope Memorial Chapel, Gallup, NM (505) 722-6671
  • Cope Memorial Chapel, Kirtland, NM (505) 598-9636
  • Daniel’s Family Funeral Services, Socorro, NM (575) 835-1530
  • Desert View Funeral Home, Shiprock, NM (505) 368-4607
  • Rollie Mortuary, Gallup, NM (505) 863-4452
  • Silver Creek Mortuary, Gallup, NM (505) 371-3690
  • Tse Bonito Mortuary, Tse Bonito, NM (505) 371-5565
  • Summit Funeral Home, Saint Michaels, AZ (928) 871-1120
  • Valley Ridge Mortuary, Tuba City, AZ (928) 640-2022
The listed mortuaries are in an agreement with NFAS to provide services for individuals who qualify for P.L. 93-638Burial Assistance program and reserve the right to decline requests for services. Mortuaries not listed above, do not provide burial services in partnership with the NFAS Burial Assistance program.

Download and view news release here.

Reference Link for Burial Service Information:
DONATE NOW – NAVAJO NATION COVID-19 FUND

The Navajo Health Command Operations Center has established the “Navajo Nation COVID-19 Fund” to accept donated funds to help respond to and fight Dikos Ntsaaígíí-19, the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Navajo Nation COVID-19 Fund is accepting monetary and non-monetary donations to address immediate medical and community needs. Charitable contributions to the Fund are deductible by the donor for federal income, estate, and gift tax purposes, and written acknowledgment of donation will be provided upon request. The Navajo Nation qualifies under Section 7871(a) of the Internal Service Code for purposes of receiving public or charitable distributions.

The Navajo Nation’s immediate medical needs include N95 masks, face shields, non-latex gloves (nitrile), medical-grade gloves, goggles/eye protection, surgical and isolation masks, isolation and level II surgical gowns, Tyvek coveralls, surgical caps, shoe covers, thermometers (no touch scan), portable pulse oximeters, ventilators, hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes and sprays, alcohol-based wipes, and others.

The community needs include disposable masks, fabric masks, cleaning supplies, liquid hand soap, hand sanitizer, toiletries, thermometers, paper products, non-perishable food, bottled water, baby necessities (formula, diapers, wipes), livestock feed, hay, pet food, firewood, coal, and others.
There are many organizations and people trying to help native communities. Here is a list of donation sites and links for SW Native Communities:
County Updates
Board of Supervisors
Public Letter
April 10, 2020
Jurisdictional Status of County Islands within Tuba City & Cameron
To the general public –

This letter serves as notice to the residents, businesses and establishments operating on or within the County islands in Tuba City and Cameron. In consultation with the Coconino County Attorney’s Office, the County informs you that declarations, proclamations and orders of the Navajo Nation regarding curfew and other such actions issued to slow the spread of COVID-19 are applicable to the County islands within the Navajo Nation.

Tribal sovereignty applies to natives and native interests within Indian Country. Tuba City and Cameron, in their entireties, are clearly “Indian Country” since they each lie within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Thus, the Nation is authorized to regulate conduct of Navajo members and non-members alike within the boundaries of Tuba City and Cameron. This includes the authority to regulate conduct when that conduct impacts the health or welfare of the Nation (1).

The Nation’s emergency orders, including the curfew order, apply to the County fee-land islands in Tuba City and Cameron under the present circumstances of pandemic control. Further, Navajo authorities, including the Navajo Police Department and the Navajo courts, may enforce civil sanctions, injunctions, and other penalties against both members and non-members within Tuba City and Cameron as provided by the Navajo Nation’s emergency orders.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and compliance with these important directives to keep our communities safe.

Sincerely,

ELIZABETH “LIZ” ARCHULETA
Chair, Board of Supervisors
Coconino County, Arizona

1) Knighton v. Cedarville Rancheria of N. Paiute Indians, 922 F.3d 892, 900 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 140 S. Ct. 513 (2019).

View Liz Archuleta’s Public Letter here.
Health and Human Services
Human Resources
POSITION OPENING:
Coconino County Senior Communications Manager

Coconino County seeks a dynamic multi-media communicator to serve the public and work with our team in the SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER role. This exciting role needs a self-starter that understands the importance of quality internal and external communications across many different mediums. The ideal candidate brings a fresh perspective to the County with the wisdom of experience and life-lessons serving the public. From our written communications to our new media productions, Coconino County is where you can shine and leave your mark!

SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER-Apply or learn more!

Inquiries or questions can be directed to Eric Peterson, Public Affairs Director, by email or at (928)679-7177.
Law Library
Informational videos regarding COVID-19 in Arizona

Videos regarding how to be married, get a protective order, and eviction in Arizona during COVID-19. These are produced by Coconino County Arizona. Visit: https://azcourthelp.org/covid-videos
COVID-19 Court and Legal Information and Resources

Information for those looking for forms, location information, or legal resources pertaining to all court jurisdictions in Arizona. Visit: https://azcourthelp.org/covid-19/
Community Bulletin Board 
News Release
April 21, 2020
Kaibab National Forest to offer firewood permits by phone starting May 1
WILLIAMS, Ariz., April 21, 2020 — The Kaibab National Forest will offer firewood cutting permits for the
2020 season over the phone beginning May 1. Cutting may begin as soon as permits have been received
through the mail.

Those seeking firewood cutting permits should call the following offices during the specified hours Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays:

  • Williams Ranger District – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – (928) 635-5602
  • Tusayan Ranger District – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – (928) 635-8223
  • North Kaibab Ranger District – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – (928) 643-8153
Permits will not be offered in person at office locations this year in order to protect public and employee
health during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Kaibab National Forest employees remain committed to
supporting local economies and providing home heating and other essential services to communities and
individuals already stressed by current circumstance.

To help ease the financial burdens many are already facing, the Kaibab National Forest will offer free
permits for 10 cords of wood in areas that would normally require paid permits. Paid permits will also be
available for wood cutters who intend to resell their wood for profit or for those who need more than 10
cords of wood at $2 per cord for up to 20 additional cords. The Kaibab’s 2020 firewood offerings are
different than in previous years due to the pandemic and will only be in effect this year.

“We think it is important that we do everything we can to help those already hurting,” said Heather
Provencio, forest supervisor for the Kaibab National Forest. “One way we can do that is to expand our freeuse wood areas so people have both greater access to what for many is an essential commodity as well as reduced financial hardship.”

Firewood cutters seeking to obtain a permit should call the appropriate Kaibab National Forest office. If a
service representative isn’t immediately available to take the call, customers will be prompted to leave a
message with contact information. An accredited Forest Service employee will respond to all messages by contacting customers to finalize the permit issuance process. Those seeking paid permits will need to pay by credit or debit card. No checks, money orders or cash will be accepted. Mail-in permit requests will not be able to be processed. Everyone seeking 2020 firewood permits should call forest offices to receive
prompt service.

The permits, maps and other documents important for wood cutters will be mailed via the U.S. Postal
Service. Each office location will also offer a pickup box system for those with known mail service
limitations. As soon as permits have been received, cutting may begin.

The Kaibab National Forest will also provide all firewood cutters with a detailed guide that highlights the
ecological impacts that collecting firewood can have on forest resources and describes best practices to
ensure the sustainability of these resources across the landscape and over time. Forest managers
developed the Land Steward Guide to present helpful information about firewood collection in the national
forest and foster shared stewardship of public lands.

Over the last few years, the Kaibab National Forest has consistently increased the amount of wood
available to each person for purchase while reducing the cost per cord by crediting firewood cutting for the contribution it provides to forest restoration goals. Firewood cutters perform the important ecosystem
service of removing dead and down as well as small-diameter trees, which assists in the forest’s landscapescale fuels reduction and forest restoration efforts.

The availability of firewood is critical to many local community and tribal members who use it for home
heating, cooking and other purposes. In 2019, the Kaibab National Forest provided 36,151 cords of
firewood to support these needs through paid personal, free and ceremonial wood permits. Depending on
the species and whether it is green or dry, a cord of firewood weighs one-to-two tons. In total last year, the Kaibab supplied up to 72,302 tons or almost 150 million pounds of firewood.

Detailed firewood cutting information and maps will be updated throughout the firewood season on the
Kaibab National Forest website at http://bit.ly/KNFfuelwood.

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
News Release
April 21, 2020
Forest Service Takes Steps to Reduce Human Caused Wildfire during Global Pandemic
Albuquerque, NM – April 21, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, Southwestern
Region is enacting a campfire ban to protect the health and safety of employees and communities
during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning April 22, igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a
fire will be prohibited on all six national forests in Arizona until June 30, 2020, or until rescinded.

Forest Service officials are taking the necessary steps to ensure first responders are available to safely
respond and manage incidents. This campfire restriction will prevent the drawdown of fire and medical
resources to unwanted human-caused wildfires and reduce firefighter exposure to COVID-19 during the
current pandemic.

“While we know that going outside provides forest and grassland visitors needed space, exercise and
satisfaction, we are taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously,” said Acting Regional Forester
Elaine Kohrman. “We are providing some recreation opportunities where we can while protecting and
keeping employees, the public and our communities safe from the virus and unwanted human-caused
wildfires.”

The following is prohibited under the April 22 campfire ban order:

  • Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, including charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves.
Violating the campfire ban may result in an appearance in federal court, fines, and possible time in jail.
Forest visitors will still be able to use pressurized liquid or gas devices (stoves, grills or lanterns) with
shut-off valves, in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials. While these restrictions are
in place, the majority of the six national forests in Arizona are still open, and dispersed camping –
outside of developed campsites – and other recreation opportunities are available.

Visit the Interactive Visitor Map at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ivm for more information on available
activities. For additional information on COVID-19, go to https://www.coronavirus.gov. Information
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available at: www.usda.gov/coronavirus. Information on
public lands use in Arizona is available at https://tourism.az.gov/responsible-recreation-across-arizona/

# # #

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender
The Census is a head count of every person living in the United States and is conducted every 10
years. Since 1790, the Census has determined how many representatives each state has in the House
of Representatives. In addition to representation, Census results help guide decisions on how federal
funding is allocated to states for critical public services and programs.

For the first time, the Census can be completed online, by phone or by mail. The Census asks a few
questions about how many people are living in your home as of April 1, 2020 and demographic
information such as age.

An accurate Census count for Coconino County is extremely important because the results will show
what the needs for funding are across communities in the County. The results from the 2020 Census
will impact decisions made for the next decade. To complete your Census online visit my2020census.gov.
News Regarding Arizona Unemployment:

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program
April 13, 2020
The Arizona Unemployment Team has announced major changes to eligibility requirements for benefits. The new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program provides benefits to certain individuals who had not previously been eligible for
unemployment, or those who have been denied in the past.

PUA provides benefits to covered individuals. Covered individuals are those individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits under state or Federal law. This includes individuals who:

  • have exhausted their unemployment balance,
  • are self-employed,
  • are seeking part-time employment,
  • lack sufficient work history, or
  • otherwise do not qualify for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits under state or Federal law.
In general, PUA provides up to 39 weeks of benefits to qualifying individuals who are otherwise able to work and available for work within the meaning of applicable Arizona state statute, except that they are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to one of the COVID-19 related reasons identified in the
recent federal CARES Act.

Please click HERE for all of the details about the PUA Program. Please note that workforce staff are not equipped to answer detailed questions about this new program. All inquiries should be directed to staff on the Arizona Unemployment Team.
HOW TO REACH US
For those requiring assistance from our offices, ARIZONA@WORK Maricopa County is still here to help! Based on state and federal guidelines regarding strict social distancing, we offer these simple ways to reach us for assistance!
  • Go to www.maricopa.gov/findajob and submit use the SUBMIT YOUR INQUIRY button to reach out! Your question or request for help will be sent directly to workforce staff.
  • Call (602) 372-9700 (East Valley office) or (602) 372- 4200 (West Valley office) and a workforce staff member will return your call in a timely manner. We are getting a high number of calls, but please be assured we will get back to you!
PLEASE NOTE THESE WORKFORCE OFFICE PHONE NUMBERS ARE NOT UNEMPLOYMENT. WE HIGHLY ENCOURAGE YOU REACH OUT DIRECTLY TO UNEMPLOYMENT FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR CLAIMS.
Coconino County Sheriff’s Office
News Release
April 8, 2020
Surge In Fraud Related To COVID-19
Across the nation there has been a surge in fraud related to COVID-19. This includes door to door scams, phishing (email), vishing (phones), SMShing (text messages), check fraud, and wire fraud.

The fraudulent activity includes solicitation for sanitation services, insurance, equipment, supplies, shopping services, and many other schemes related to COVID-19.  In addition to fake companies, fraudsters regularly pose as employees of real organizations.

As always, please guard your personal information and protect yourself against victimization. Research the legitimate contact information for services.

To report suspicious activity contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 774-4523, option 1.

Below are links to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Consumer Fraud Protection Information page and the Federal Trade Commission information page about COVID-19 scams.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing
https://www.azag.gov/consumer/covid-19

Jon Paxton
Coconino County Sheriff’s Office
Community Programs Planner
CDC Recommendations For Mental Health and Coping
The CDC recognizes the outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about
a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress
will make you, the people you care about and your community stronger.

Taking care of yourself, your friends and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others
cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

Ways to cope with stress:

  • Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
  • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
  • Exercise regularly & get plenty of sleep.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
For more information on how to maintain mental health and coping during this time, please visit the
CDC website.
Telecommuting Productivity Tips

Working from home is far different than your space at the office. Here’s some helpful quick tips to help you be productive from your home office!

  1. Create a home office that minimizes distractions. Its important to have a place to work that is for work. This will help you create good work-life balance and minimize distractions – like TV, the fridge or that convenient candy bowl!
  2. Take breaks. We all need to step away and clear our minds. So take that short walk or just step outside for sunshine.
  3. Get dressed. We don’t come to serve the public in our sweat pants. Make your home office just like showing up to work. It will help you get in the right mindset.
  4. Communicate. Stay in touch with people. Check in with your boss and team members. Text message, chats, calls, or video calls are quick and easy ways to keep a connection.
Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC) Coronavirus 19/COVID19 Information & Updates
TCRHCC UPDATE: 
For More Information:
Tuba City Regional Health Care Cooperation:

SANE/SART/DVPI Program

Grand Canyon National Park Closed
Grand Canyon National Park is Temporarily CLOSED until further notice, due to public health concerns of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

All visitor facilities, trails, and roads including Highway 64 are closed until further notice. These closures will be in effect 24-hours a day/7-days a week. See GCNP News Release here.

For GCNP Public Health Updates: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-national-park-public-health-update.htm
For NPS Public Health Updates: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/public-health-update.htm
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website of highlighted infectious diseases for Arizona for additional information about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Community Resource Link:
 Tuba City & Window Rock Resource Guide

This guide is a compilation of information provided by agencies and service providers in Coconino County. 

Coconino County District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Office

46 Maple Street
PO BOX 948
Tuba City, AZ 86045
P: 928-679-7155 | F: 928-283-6366 | www.coconino.az.gov

Questions or comments? Email us at mmorales@coconino.az.gov or call us at 928-283-4518.

You are receiving this email from Coconino County Supervisor Lena Fowler as a courtesy to keep you up to date and informed of the issues within Coconino County District 5. You either subscribed to Supervisor Lena Fowler’s email newsletter or your email was collected at a sponsored meeting, workshop, or other event.  
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