New Executive Order: “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2020
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New Executive Order: “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected”
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PHOENIX — “Stay home, Stay healthy, Stay connected” – that’s what the state is asking of fellow Arizonans in the continued effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The latest Executive Order issued today by Governor Doug Ducey follows new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and comes at the recommendation of public health officials who are tracking data specific to Arizona. The Governor’s order promotes increased physical distancing, while encouraging social connectedness among citizens. It takes place at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow, March 31, 2020.
“Keeping Arizonans safe and healthy as we slow the spread of COVID-19 remains our top priority,” said Governor Ducey. “Arizona citizens and businesses are already responsibly responding to this crisis. This order builds on the state’s efforts to protect public health by reminding Arizonans to maintain healthy habits and find alternative ways to stay connected with friends and loved ones while spending time at home. Slowing the spread of COVID-19 will ensure we build capacity in our healthcare system, and help protect the lives of those we love most. It’s important to emphasize that there are no plans to shut down grocery stores. People should continue to buy what you need for a week’s worth of groceries. I’m grateful to everyone making adjustments to fight this virus and protect others. Arizona will get through this, and we’ll do it together.”
Under the Executive Order, Arizonans shall limit their time away from their place of residence or property, except:
- To conduct or participate in essential activities, and/or;
- For employment, to volunteer or participate in essential functions; or
- To utilize any services or products provided by essential business services;
- And for employment if as a sole proprietor or family owned business, work is conducted in a separate office space from your home and the business is not open to serve the public.
On March 23, Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order clarifying businesses and operations deemed “essential” and providing certainty to business owners, employees and families.
Under today’s order, Arizonans are also encouraged to improve social connectedness by:
- Maintaining ongoing connections and communication with current social supports and structures such as family, friends, neighbors and other social groups;
- Educating fellow Arizonans on the negative health impacts of social isolation;
- And developing habits and activities that increase resilience, such as physical activity, virtual social gatherings, assisting neighbors, implementing or participating in connection campaigns for at risk populations, and participating in volunteer activities.
Under this policy, essential activities include:
- Obtaining necessary supplies and services for family, household members and pets, such as groceries, food and supplies for household consumption and use, supplies and equipment needed to work from home, assignments for completion of distance learning and products necessary to maintain safety, sanitation and essential maintenance of the home, residence.
- Engaging in activities essential for health and safety, including things such as seeking medical, behavioral health or emergency services and obtaining medical supplies or medication.
- Caring for a family member, friend, or pet in another household or residence, which includes but is not limited to transportation for essential health and safety activities and to obtain necessary supplies and services for the other household.
- Engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running, biking or golfing, but only if appropriate physical distancing practices are used.
- Attending work in or conducting essential services which includes but is not limited to transporting children to child care services for attending work in an essential service.
- Engaging in constitutionally protected activities such as speech and religion, the democratic process to include voting any legal or court process provided that such is conducted in a manner that provides appropriate physical distancing to the extent feasible.
Already, Arizona has taken proactive steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.
On March 11, Governor Ducey issued a declaration of a Public Health State of Emergency to prepare for, prevent, respond to, and mitigate the spread of the disease.
On March 15, a statewide school closure was issued in coordination with Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman. Today, it was extended through the end of the school year, following CDC guidance.
Many businesses have already greatly reduced their hours and operations as directed by health officials and in an effort to protect the public health and slow the spread of COVID-19.
On March 17th, following updated guidance from the CDC, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) issued updated guidance that included canceling or postponing gatherings of 10 or more people, recommending telework and other alternatives, restricting access to nursing homes, retirement homes and long-term care facilities to provide critical assistance, and providing recommendations to restaurants and eating establishments to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
On March 19th, Governor Ducey required restaurants in Arizona counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases to provide dine-out options only and required all bars, gyms and movie theaters in those counties to close. That same day, Governor Duey halted all elective surgeries in the state of Arizona to free up medical resources and maintain the capacity for hospitals and providers to continue offering vital services.
View a full list of actions HERE.
Last week, Governor Ducey launched the Arizona Together initiative to support Arizonans during the COVID-19 outbreak, connecting individuals and businesses to resources, raising money for community organizations and providing information on volunteer opportunities. The website, ArizonaTogether.org, also features tools for mental health support for individuals and families facing changes and stress as a result of COVID-19.
View the Executive Order encouraging Arizonans to stay home, stay healthy and stay connected HERE.
View daily Arizona COVID-19 updates from ADHS HERE.
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March 30th Update - Yavapai County Community Health Services
March 30th Update - Yavapai County Community Health Services
Monday, March 30, 2020
Yavapai County has 18 Cases of COVID-19
There 238 more cases and 3 more deaths in AZ since yesterday, with 1,159* (with the additional Yavapai cases) confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Arizona. Maricopa has 690 cases, Pima 187, Pinal 64, Coconino 71, Navajo 88, Apache 17, Yavapai 18, Graham 2, Yuma 6, Mohave 7, La Paz 2, Santa Cruz 2, Cochise 4, Gila 1, and Greenlee now has 1. There have been 20 deaths reported in Arizona.
Yavapai County’s numbers are higher than the State has reported, with additional cases reported to the Epidemiologist overnight. There are now 12 residents in the Quad-Cities area, and 6 in the Verde Valley area; 8 seniors 65+, 10 adults 18-54; 11 male, 7 female. As far as testing, there have been 155 tests given in Yavapai County, with 121 negative, and 16 pending.
All Arizonans should assume the virus is present in their community and take precautions.
The Yavapai Emergency Phone Bank is open– 8-5, M-F--928-442-5103
COVID-19 Hotline call 2-1-1 from 8 to 8 p.m. each day of the week
For COVID-19 information en español, see www.azdhs.gov/COVID-19
What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
If you think you have been exposed to someone with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, follow the steps below to monitor your health and avoid spreading the disease to others if you get sick.
If you test positive for COVID-19:
How do I know if I was exposed?
- You generally need to be in close contact with a sick person to get infected. Close contact includes:
- Living in the same household as a sick person with COVID-19,
- Caring for a sick person with COVID-19,
- Being within 6 feet of a sick person with COVID-19 for about 10 minutes, OR
- Being in direct contact with secretions from a sick person with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on, kissing, sharing utensils, etc.).
If you have tested negative or haven’t been tested:
What should I do if I was in close contact with someone with COVID-19 while they were ill, but I am not sick?
You should monitor your health for fever, cough and shortness of breath during the 14 days after the last day you were in close contact with the sick person with COVID-19. You should not go to work or school and should avoid public places for 14 days.
For up-to-date information, visit our website: www.yavapai.us/chs.
Residents Reminded Census Bureau workers will be in Yavapai County
As the 2020 Census approaches, Yavapai County residents will begin to see Census Bureau workers out in their communities. However, the public is reminded to ensure they are being visited by an official representative. Decennial Census Address Canvassers, who verify addresses in preparation for the Census, will be in the area through July, and permanent annual surveyors may currently be in Yavapai County.
Census Bureau employees must present an ID badge that includes a photograph of the field representative, a Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. Workers may also be carrying a Census Bureau phone or laptop, as well as a bag with a Census Bureau logo.There are several ongoing data collection activities conducted year-round, either in person or by phone, which include:
Current Population Survey
American Community Survey – Housing Unit
National Crime Victimization Survey
National Health Interview Survey
Consumer Expenditure Survey
Survey of Income and Program Participation
American Housing Survey
Residents are encouraged to ask which survey they are responding to and, if they are not sure they are dealing with an official employee, to call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative. The public can also call their local law enforcement office to file a report if they suspect suspicious activity.
The timeline for self-response to the 2020 Census will begin in mid-March, when the public will receive an invite via postcard to complete their survey either online or by phone. Residents wishing to respond via mail must request a paper survey. Anyone with a PO Box will have a paper survey dropped off by a Census Bureau employee.
Census Day will be April 1, 2020. For a list of key dates and timeline: https://2020census.gov/en/important-dates.html and to download a Census fact sheet visit http://www.census.gov/library/fact-sheets/2019/dec/2020-invites-everyone.html
As the Census date nears, Yavapai County and other local jurisdictions will be keeping residents updated and informed on how and why they should respond to the survey.
Board of Supervisors Appoint New Finance Director
On Wednesday February 19, Yavapai County Administrator, Phil Bourdon, presented the Board of Supervisors with the name of Lars Johnson, as a candidate to fill the position of Yavapai County Finance Director. The Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation and appoint Mr. Johnson effective March 30, 2020. Mr. Johnson is replacing Dan Rusing who retired from the position in 2019.
Mr. Johnson grew up in Prescott Arizona, has B.S. in Business and Administration, an M.S. in Economics and Business Administration, and is a CPA in Arizona. Mr. Johnson worked at the City of Prescott from 2013 to 2018 as the Budget and Tax Manager and moved to the City of Litchfield Park to be the Finance Director in 2018.
Mr. Johnson said, “I am excited about working for the Board of Supervisors and serving the residents of Yavapai County.”
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown said, “We are happy to have Lars Johnson join us at the county, I am sure he is going to do a great job. He comes to us with considerable finance credentials and is a long time Arizona resident. The Finance staff has done a great job in the interim and I am sure they are excited to have someone with his background in that position.”
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Select Arlo "Chip" Davis for Treasurer
On February 24, 2020, at the special Yavapai County Board of Supervisors meeting, the board voted to make Arlo “Chip” Davis the new Yavapai County Treasurer.
Mr. Davis was a five-term member of the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors. The newly appointed Yavapai County Treasurer said, “I look forward to serving the citizens of Yavapai County and having a very user-friendly Treasurer's Department. I am eager to hear from the residents of Yavapai County on how the Treasurer’s office can serve them better.”
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown said, “Mr. Davis brings to the position of Treasurer a lifetime of experience and knowledge of how to get things done in Yavapai County. He knows the staff and their capabilities and I believe he is the best person to meet the challenges he has in front of him.”
Treasurer Chip Davis was sworn in by Clerk of Board Kim Kapin immediately after the meeting.
2020 CENSUS IS COMING
2020 CENSUS IS COMING
Yavapai County is partnering with local jurisdictions and the US Census Bureau to get an accurate count of every person residing in Yavapai County as of April 1, 2020. The County has received general trainings from the Census Bureau to get our Complete Count Committee formed, and will begin meeting to brainstorm with the committee in November. The big kick off and advertisements from the Census will begin after the new year in January 2020. Currently, the Census Bureau is hiring many citizens from around every community to help with the collection of data and verify homes and addresses. The Census workers are out in the neighborhoods right now and should be clearly identified with a badge. Please be kind to them as they are trying to help locate homes and other buildings that people may be living in. The benefit will be for our communities to be given our portion of the funds from the federal government to help support our community needs. The actual census will be conducted in April 2020. Residents will be able to respond via phone, mail, or via the internet based on the preferred method of the resident. Federal Census takers will be personally visiting difficult or nonresponsive properties during the summer of 2020.
Yavapai County Citizens Academy in 2020
The Yavapai County Citizens Academy is currently accepting applications for the 2020 class. The Academy will provide Yavapai County residents with insights into how County government works, promote open lines of communication, and offer a clear understanding of how County services affect the everyday lives of its citizens. Anyone interested in attending the 2020 class can apply by visiting Yavapai.us.
This is a great opportunity to learn about your government, speak to well informed directors and elected officials, and get all your Yavapai County questions answered.
Applications to attend the Citizens Academy must be submitted online at Yavapai.us. Participants will interact with the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, County leadership, and other citizens in this collaborative and informative course. By the end of the class, participants will have an increased understanding of the organizational structure and operation of the various County departments that influence the quality of life in Yavapai County.
The Citizens Academy is at no charge and is open to anyone living in Yavapai County, 18 years of age or older. The class will accommodate 20-25 participants and registration is on a first come, first served basis. The Academy is not intended to be a platform for complaints or to debate political issues but rather a place to ask questions, and learn.
The Academy will consists of 8 classes, each of which will highlight various Yavapai County departments. Classes run each Thursday evening from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM and a light dinner will be provided. This class will be held at the Yavapai County Board Room, located at 1015 Fair St. Prescott AZ 86305 on the following dates: 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19.
The Academy will conclude with a graduation ceremony at a Board of Supervisors meeting shortly after the completion of the class.
To apply, visit Yavapai.us and click on the Application for Citizens Academy link.
Board of Supervisors Meeting Date Change - October 15, 2019 @ 9:00 AM
The regularly scheduled meeting for Wednesday October 16, 2019 has been moved to Tuesday October 15, 2019. The meeting will begin as previously scheduled, at 9:00 AM in the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors meeting room, 10 S. 6th Street, Cottonwood AZ.
The meeting date is being moved so the Board of Supervisors can attend the Arizona Rural Transportation Summit in Tucson. Meetings at the summit will include a Rural Legislator Caucus where members of the state legislature will join local officials to discuss rural transportation infrastructure needs, how they can be addressed, and what other transportation issues will likely be included in the upcoming year’s legislative agenda.
Get Your Flu Shot.....
Listed below are the dates and times for 2019 Flu Shot Clinics
Mon, Oct 7
5:00– 6:00 p.m.
Verde Village Clubhouse
4855 E. Broken Saddle Dr
Cottonwood
Wed, Oct 9
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Paulden Library
16 W. Big Chino Road
Paulden
Fri, Oct 11
2:00 -5:00 p.m.
Prescott Public Library
215 E. Goodwin Street
Prescott
Tues, Oct 15
5 :00-6:00 p.m.
Verde Santa Fe Clubhouse
635 Verde Santa Fe Parkway
Cornville
Fri, Oct 18
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Skull Valley Historical Society
3150 Old Skull Valley Road
Skull Valley
Sat, Oct 19
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cornville (Windmill Park)
9984 E. Cornville Road
Cornville
Mon, Oct 21
11:00 a.m. – Noon
Beaver Creek Adult Center
4250 Zuni Way
Beaver Creek
Tues, Oct 22
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Village of Oak Creek Association Clubhouse
690 Bell Rock Boulevard Village of Oak Creek
Thurs, Oct 24
10:00 a.m. - Noon
Congress Fire Department
26733 Santa Fe Road
Congress
Thursday, Oct 24
Yarnell Regional Community Center
1:00-3:00
22302 S. Highway 89
Yarnell
Thursday, Oct 25
10:00 a.m. - Noon
Seligman Library
54170 N. Floyd Street
Seligman
Thursday, Oct 25
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Ash Fork Public Library
450 Lewis Avenue
Ash Fork
Give Crimes and Criminals the Blues
Special Concert and Law Enforcement Event at the Court House Square On Friday, August 2, 2019
On Friday, August 2, 2019, at 6 PM, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, and several of its law enforcement partners including the Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Tribal Police Departments, along with the Attorney General’s Office and others, will host the annual National Night Out Kick-Off Concert.
National Night Out itself occurs every year on the first Tuesday in August – this year, August 6, 2019. The National Night Out (NNO) campaign takes place all across the U.S. and is designed to raise crime prevention awareness, strengthen neighborhood unity and spirit, and further develop partnerships between Law Enforcement agencies and the community. At the core of these programs is Neighborhood Watch – residents and business owners uniting with their law enforcement representatives to reduce crime.
The goal of this event on August 2nd, which is expected to conclude at 8:30PM, is to highlight and remind community members about NNO and provide an opportunity for the public to meet various law enforcement agencies in one place. Agency reps will be on hand to talk about their planned NNO activities, answer questions, and share crime prevention information. We encourage those in YCSO based neighborhood watch programs to attend.
For the 7th year hosting, local blues band “Road One South” will perform during the August 2nd event in conjunction with the Summer Concert Series. Their show will be tailored to highlight some of the many activities also occurring that evening including displays and information from various area law enforcement agencies, K9 officers, special vehicle displays, etc. Kids of all ages can meet Deputy Do-Right, YCSO’s child safety mascot.
Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the music, displays and the opportunity to meet your local law enforcement representatives as we unite to “Give Crime and Criminals the Blues!”
For further information or details on this event, please contact Crime Prevention Coordinator Bryan Thomas at 928-777-7223 or Dwight DEvelyn at 928-777-7441 – email dwight.develyn@yavapai.us
Mary Mallory Appointed to Board of Supervisors
Mary Mallory appointed to Board of Supervisors
On July 15, 2019, at the special Yavapai County Board of Supervisors meeting, the board unanimously voted to make Mary Mallory the new District 5 Supervisor.
The newly appointed Yavapai County Board of Supervisor Mary Mallory said, “I look forward to continuing my service to this great community as a Yavapai County Supervisor. I feel that I know the people of Yavapai County and they know me. This position will allow me to continue my work to serve the people.”
Supervisor Mallory was sworn in by Chairman Randy Garrison immediately after the meeting.
Yavapai County Wins National Award
The National Association of Counties (NACo) has awarded Yavapai County with a National Achievements Award in the category of Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation for the restoration of the Historic Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza “Lady Ermintrude” Fountain. The award honors innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
In 1910, an elegant fountain dubbed “Lady Ermintrude” was installed and graced the Courthouse Plaza for more than 60 years before falling into disrepair. In 1976, it was dismantled and placed in storage at a museum in Prescott.
In 2016, as the Centennial of the laying of the cornerstone was approaching, County officials discovered the surviving Courthouse fountain components and a restoration project began. A foundry in Alabama that had the original statue pattern was commissioned and the missing and broken pieces were recast. Yavapai County Facilities Department workers restored the basin to reflect its original 1910 style and the fountain was then reinstalled. A rededication ceremony was held on June 29, 2018 and “Lady Ermintrude” was unveiled to stand as a testament to the history of the Courthouse for generations to come.
The Yavapai County Courthouse commemorated its Centennial on October 15, 2016. As the original state capital of Arizona following statehood on February 14, 1912, the Courthouse was honored by being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and recognized as one of the Great Places in America: Public Spaces by the American Planning Association in 2008.
NACo President Greg Cox said, “Counties implement innovative programs that enhance residents’ quality of life every day. This year’s Achievement Award-winning programs demonstrate how counties build healthy, safe and vibrant communities across America.” Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. NACo will recognize Yavapai County at its 2019 Annual Conference and Exposition, July 12-15 in Clark County, Nevada.