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June 3, 2020

Statewide Declaration of Emergency

Governor Doug Ducey issued a statewide Declaration of Emergency, including putting in place a curfew starting at 8:00 p.m. May 31, 2020. The curfew is in effect from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. and shall expire on Monday, June 8, at 5:00 a.m. unless further extended. The text of the order is available here.

This order gives law enforcement an additional tool to prevent the lawlessness we’ve seen in cities here and nationwide. For that reason, exemptions under the declaration are broad, including individuals traveling directly to and from work; attending religious services; commercial trucking and delivery services; obtaining food; caring for a family member, friend, or animal; patronizing or operating private businesses; seeking medical care or fleeing dangerous circumstances; and travel for any of the above services. This declaration also authorizes an expanded National Guard mobilization to protect life and property throughout the state.

COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 Data Dashboards

COVID-19 News

COVID-19 Social Safety-Net Services Coalition Resource Guide

Business Help Information:

For public health updates, businesses and employees go to:
https://www.coconino.az.gov/covid19
For business resources, go to: https://www.coconino.az.gov/2237/Economic-Development
For employee resources, go to: https://www.coconino.az.gov/2318/COVID-19-Employee-Related-Items
For Native-owned businesses: https://nativestartup.org/resources
Sam’s Club: Small Business Grant Application

Grant funding for State, Local and Tribal Governments:

Grants Management: https://www.ecivis.com/
- Coconino County COVID-19 grant opportunities – Updated May 15, 2020
For grant research: https://www.grants.gov/

Mental Health & Well-being Resources:

Stronger As One: https://coconino.az.gov/2265/Stronger-As-One
CDC – Stress & Coping: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Center for Workplace Mental Health: Working Remotely During COVID-19
Federal Resources & Guidance: List of Resources & Initiatives and Guidance
- Office of National Drug Control Policy: COVID-19 FACT SHEET

Reference links for Re-opening America:

COVID-19 Burial Service Information:

County Updates

Courts

Face coverings required in Coconino County Court buildings

Beginning June 1, 2020, face coverings will be required in all Coconino County Court buildings. Presiding Judge Dan Slayton is authorized to take the steps needed to ensure access to justice while reducing exposure to the spread of COVID-19.

Coconino County Courts do not have funds to provide face coverings for all who enter the courts. As a result, customers without face coverings may be turned away and parties who are denied entry may need to appear remotely at a court proceeding or make other arrangements. “By requiring everyone to wear masks or face coverings, we hope we are doing our part in helping to reduce or prevent the spread of COVID-19,” stated Presiding Judge Dan Slayton.
Read on…

Library District

Questions? Email at: flagstaffpubliclibrary@gmail.com

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/

AZCourtHelp now offering videos on YouTube

The AZCourtHelp YouTube channel offers videos on a variety of legal topics. Click here to watch the videos: Arizona CourtHelp – YouTube

Superintendent of Schools

Candidates sought to run for School Governing Board

Dr. Tommy Lewis, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, invites residents to volunteer as school board members. School Governing Boards help shape policies that impact the education of our children. Governing Board seats will be voted on during the General Election on November 3, 2020.The following Coconino County school districts have Governing Board seats available:

Flagstaff Unified School District (3 seats)
Williams Unified School District (3 seats)
Grand Canyon Unified School District (4 seats)
Chevelon Butte School District (4 seats)
Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District (3 seats)
Page Unified School District (3 seats)
Maine Consolidated Unified School District (4 seats)
Tuba City Unified School District (3 seats)
Coconino Community College District #1, #4 and #5 (3 seats)
Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology (CAVIAT)
Northeast Arizona Technological Institute of Vocational Education (NATIVE) Tuba City.

Candidates must be registered voters in Arizona and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to Election Day, November 3, 2020 Candidates may not be employed by the school district.
Read on…

Community Bulletin Board

For a list of other donation sites and link, click here.

Grand Canyon Park Operations May 29 through June 4, 2020

From Friday, May 29, 2020, through Thursday, June 4, the South Rim’s South Entrance will be open from 4 am until 2 pm for day use with limited commercial services. The entrance will close at 2 pm and visitors already inside the park can remain for day use access until sunset.

Day hiking on inner canyon trails and existing back-country permits for hikers camping overnight will be honored. No new overnight camping permits for the inner canyon will be issued.

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Grand Canyon National Park is increasing recreational access for the South Rim and river trips. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Information about Navajo Nation can be found on their website.

Park Operations May 29 through June 4, 2020

Portions of the South Rim will be open Friday, May 29 through Thursday, June 4, 2020 for limited entry and recreational access.
The South Entrance Station will be open from 4 am – 2 pm for visitors to enter the park. The entrance will close at 2 pm.
Visitors who have entered the park before 2 pm can remain for day use access until sunset.
Entrances fees should be paid at automated fee machines or by purchasing a pass in advance from nearby third-party vendors, or online, through Recreation.gov.
Grand Canyon National Park currently has fire restrictions in effect that prohibit building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, or wood stove fire, within a developed recreation site or unimproved site.

The Following Areas and Services will be Open to Visitors between May 29 and June 4, 2020.

Day hiking on inner canyon trails, and existing backcountry permits for hikers camping overnight will be honored. No new overnight camping permits for the inner canyon will be issued.
Limited food and beverage services at Market Plaza, Visitor Center Plaza – Bright Angel Bicycles, El Tovar Hotel Patio, and near village hotels.
- Market Plaza:
- Canyon Village Market: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm.
- Visitor Center Plaza:
- Bright Angel Bicycle’s Grab & Go: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm.
- El Tovar Hotel Patio: 11:00 am – 7:30 pm.
- Food truck located near Bright Angel Lodge: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Gift and Souvenir Shops
- Bright Angel Lodge: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Hopi House (first floor): 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Market Plaza: Canyon Village Market: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm.
Visitor Center Plaza:
- Bicycle and Wheelchair Rentals at Bright Angel Bicycles
The Rim Trail and Greenway Trail system (located outside of the village residential area)
State Route 64, Desert View Drive, is open a distance of 22 miles, from Village Loop Road through Navajo Point.
The Tuweep area is open for Day Use Only.
Grand Canyon Clinic is open by appointment only. Same day appointments are available. Please call 928-683-2551 to make an appointment.

With Public Health in Mind, the following facilities and areas will Remain Closed between May 29, and June 4, 2020

The East Entrance to the park at Desert View, and the Desert View Watchtower area remain closed.
The North Rim remains closed during this time.
All visitor centers, and museums remain closed.
South Rim shuttle buses are not in operation.
No Commercial Use Authorizations are permitted. (Commercial Tours)
Overnight Lodging and campgrounds on the the South Rim remain closed. Lodging and Camping is available in the gateway community of Tusayan.
Camper Services and Trailer Village remain closed.
Center Road and access through the South Rim residential housing area remain closed
The Colorado River, and the North Rim remain closed.

Backcountry Operations Between May 27 and June 4, 2020

Existing backcountry permits for hikers camping overnight will be honored; however, no new overnight camping permits for the inner canyon will be issued at this time.
When hiking below the rim, a method to treat water should be included with gear. Check for park water station updates here: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm.

Beginning June 5, 2020, the following areas will be open for visitors:

South Rim’s south entrance will be open 24/7,
Mather Campground will open for existing reservations only, and some overnight lodging will reopen.
The North Rim will be open for day use.

Update: Phased Reopening of Colorado River Rafting Trips
Beginning June 14, 2020, Grand Canyon National Park will initiate a phased reopening of Colorado River commercial and noncommercial trips.

Private, noncommercial river trips with current permits will be authorized to launch, and no new permits will be issued through at least the end of June. Noncommercial river trips including administrative trips should contact the Grand Canyon River Permit Office via email at: grca_riv@nps.gov for details.
Commercial river trips will resume with implemented mitigation measures including modified passenger capacities for some launches, so customers should contact the commercial river companies for any potential impact to their trip.

Public Health Preparation and Response

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Grand Canyon National Park, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners and volunteers.

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

As a reminder, visitors driving on U.S. Route 89 between Flagstaff or northern Arizona and Cameron will be travelling through the Navajo Nation, which requires face masks to be worn at public facilities and businesses to slow the spread of COVID-19. The South Rim’s east entrance is accessed by driving on U.S. Route 89, and the entrance remains closed. Public health and operational updates for the Navajo Nation can be found on their website. Also, the neighboring Havasupai reservation remains closed for tourism, and details for operational updates can be found on their website.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

Refund and Rescheduling Information:

Mather campground reservations can be refunded on Recreation.gov.
Backcountry Permits – information about rescheduling backcountry campground reservations can be obtained by e-mailing grca_bic@nps.gov.
River Permit Questions? e-mail: grca_riv@nps.gov
Grand Canyon National Park Lodges (Xanterra)
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel
Delaware North Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village
Forever Resorts North Rim – Grand Canyon Lodge

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

Arizona Small Business Boot Camp & Collective:

Business Information

RESPOND>PLAN>RETURN>STRONGER

The Arizona Commerce Authority and Local First Arizona — supported by a dynamic group of community partners — have launched a statewide initiative to help Arizona’s small businesses respond to the immediate impacts of COVID-19, plan for the future and return stronger than before. Over the course of six weeks, local business leaders and subject matter experts will provide real-time support and available resources across Arizona in live, daily sessions to help small businesses return stronger than they entered.

Check out these great links!

View this week’s small business boot camp webinar and upcoming webinar sessions.
Resource Collective – Business information: webinars, training, guidelines, etc.
COVID-19 Arizona Business Resources – Resources for businesses and employees on re-opening.

Mini-grants from Local First Arizona

Local First Arizona has created a Small Business Relief Fund to provide mini-grants (typically ranging from $1000 – $2500) to locally-owned small businesses. Local First Arizona is attempting to serve as many individuals and families in need as possible. The application process is simple and can be completed quickly. Please review the criteria before applying:

Eligibility Criteria:

The business has 0-3 employees.
The business had less than $250,000 in gross annual revenue (approximately $35k-$45k in net profits)
The business is independent and locally-owned (no franchises allowed at this time)
Priority will be placed on business owners with children under 18 at home.
This business serves as the sole income for the business owner’s family.
Only one application per business will be accepted for the Small Business Relief Fund.

If you fit the criteria, please apply. Please share this information with anyone you know who may qualify.

CDC recommendations for visiting parks and
recreational facilities

Staying physically active is one of the best methods to maintain your mind and body. Visiting parks, trails and recreational facilities can help relieve anxiety and stress during the unknown future of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before visiting parks and recreational facilities, it is important to review the Do’s and Don’t recommendations from CDC to protect yourself and others around you.

Do’s:

Visit parks that are close to your home.
Prepare before you visit.
Practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from others.
Keep space between yourself and others in and around swimming pools.

Don’ts:

Visit a park if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19.
Visit crowded parks.
Use the playgrounds.
Participate in organized activities and sports.

For more information on Do’s and Don’ts for visiting parks and recreational facilities, please visit the CDC website.

Healthy habits for sun protection

Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause harmful effects on your skin, eyes and
immune system in as little as 15 minutes.Here are a few strategies CDC recommends to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer:

Wear sunglasses.
Seek shade underneath an umbrella, tree or shelter.
When possible, wear long sleeved clothing and pants. Darker colored clothing offers more protection than lighter colors.
Wear a hat.
Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 before going outside. Remember to reapply as the sunscreen
wears off.

For more information on sun safety and protect, please visit the CDC website.

Individual prevention actions remain important

In locations across the country, public health restrictions designed to slow the spread of COVID-19
are being eased. Many stores have changed business processes to help reduce the spread of illness,
including opening with reduced hours, occupancy restrictions, online and curbside services options
and requiring employee to follow prevention measures such as sanitizing work areas, wearing masks
and washing hands frequently. While these changes are important to help protect the public,
individual prevention actions remain important to protect against illness.The following guidelines will help to protect you while shopping:

Use online and curbside options when possible.
Stay at least six (6) feet away from others while shopping and in lines.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when you have to go out in public.
When you do have to visit a store in person, go during hours when fewer people will be there (for example, early morning or late night).
If you are at higher risk for severe illness, find out if the store has special hours for people at higher risk. If they do, try to shop during those hours. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.
Disinfect the shopping cart, use disinfecting wipes if available.
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
If possible, use “touchless payment” (pay without touching money, a card or a keypad). If you must handle money, a card, or use a keypad, then use hand sanitizer right after paying.
Wash your hands frequently.

Additional prevention information is available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.

Tuba City Regional Health Care Cooperation:

SANE/SART/DVPI Program

Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Service:

Kaibeto Outpatient Treatment Center

For more information: http://nndbmhs.org/kaibeto/

2020 Census operation adjustments due to COVID-19

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau has adjusted operations in order to protect the health and safety of the American public and Census Bureau employees; implement guidance from federal, state and local authorities and ensure a complete and accurate count of all communities.

The 2020 Census has received responses from more than half of the households across the country. Responses can be made online, phone calls and mailed self-responses.

For more information regarding the updated operation dates, please visit the 2020 Census website.