We’ve seen four brush fires in the past week in Maricopa County, including two at our regional parks.  With fire danger, higher-than-normal water levels at Lake Pleasant, and increased crowds, park visitors should plan ahead when considering visits to Maricopa County’s regional parks.  You might try less-visited parks and trails, and wherever you go, make sure you can maintain physical distancing. 

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Memorial Day Weekend if often a time for barbecues, pool parties, and other family gatherings.  But are those traditions safe in the time of COVID-19?  The answer is: that depends.  Federal and state guidelines still discourage gatherings of more than 10 people.  Even in smaller groups, physical distancing is important.  People who are sick should stay home to avoid exposing others, and those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should be more cautious as well.  The bottom line is: use good judgement to protect not only your health, but the health of friends, family members, and your community.

Public Health advises all residents to take the following precautions in public:

• Stay at least six feet away from others

• Consider wearing a cloth face covering if you cannot maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and others while out
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap after leaving public places

If you need a job right now, Arizona @ Work has a list of immediate openings statewide.  Maricopa County has a limited number of positions open.  The Maricopa County Human Services Department provides job assistance through our career centers.  You can access resources or get one-on-one guidance virtually or in-person, by appointment.  

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for government assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Visit arizonatogether.org to see a list of available resources including mortgage and rental assistance; meals for families and children; childcare; unemployment benefits; and more.

Maricopa County Department of Human Services is expanding services to people experiencing homeless in downtown Phoenix. The voluntary tent relocation program creates a safer outdoor space that, to date, is giving 231 individuals access to tents, cots, cold drinking water, toilets, hand washing stations, social services staff, and security.  The tents are physically distanced on county-owned lots.

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Watch the Video Clip on COVID-19 Initiatives for Homeless >