Happy headlines are hard to come by these days. Coronavirus cases in the Valley and fear concerning the pandemic continue to rise, but there are silver linings – the community is coming together (virtually) in solidarity and local organizations, businesses and residents are doing the best they can to support each other. Our duty during these tough times is to keep you informed and updated, even if the news isn’t always uplifting. Here is a roundup of coronavirus-related news in our region for Tuesday, March 31.
Coronavirus Cases in Arizona Surpass 1,200
On Tuesday morning, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported 1,289 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across all 15 counties in the state. Maricopa County’s Health Department reports 791 cases, an 11 percent increase from Monday’s numbers.
24 Deaths Have Been Confirmed
The Arizona Department of Health Services reported 24 deaths due to coronavirus in Arizona on Tuesday. Eight of those deaths occurred in Maricopa County.
Governor Ducey Issues a Stay-At-Home Order
On Monday, Governor Doug Ducey implemented a statewide stay-at-home order that will go into effect on Tuesday, March 31 art 5 p.m. The order instructs residents to limit their time away from home, “except for essential services or activities,” though the governor’s definition of “essential” apparently includes golf courses, hair salons and gun stores, which will remain open. The order comes after mounting criticism that Ducey isn’t doing enough to protect Arizona’s population during the pandemic.
Arizona Banks Delay Foreclosures and Evictions
On Monday, Governor Doug Ducey announced an agreement with Arizona banks to postpone evictions and foreclosures and provide relief for small businesses struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic. Wells Fargo announced an immediate three-month payment suspension for mortgages and home-equities and Chase has stated it will suspend foreclosures and evictions for 60 days. Banks also agreed to expedite applications for small business loans.
Arizona Prisons Stop Accepting New Inmates
In an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, Arizona prisons will not be admitting new inmates for the next 21 days. This means that those detained in local jails will be held longer than normal.
Arizona National Forest Campgrounds Close
All campgrounds, cabins and visitor centers in Arizona national forests are now closed until further notice. Last week, Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Prescott and Tonto National Forests started closing all developed recreation sites to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Some hiking and biking trails remain open.
