Maricopa County News Update: Week of April 4

Maricopa County, Arizona sent this bulletin at 04/04/2022 04:00 PM MST

We're Hiring COVID-19 Relief Vaccine FAQs

LATEST INFORMATION

4th COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Available

Ages 50 and older only

Find a vaccine location near you.

AZ Auditor General Confirms County Followed Election Laws

Audit looked at procurement, spending

Read the Report

County Offers Financial Assistance

Renters, business owners, and more

Visit Maricopa.gov/Rescue

TODAY'S KEY MESSAGE

A New Phase of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, but the emergency declaration that freed up more resources to combat it... is. Chairman Bill Gates announced last week that he would end the countywide emergency that had been in place since March 2020.

This declaration enabled Maricopa County to conduct thousands of case investigations, obtain and distribute more than 40 million pieces of personal protective equipment, support dozens of agencies and partners serving the most vulnerable members of our community, and stand up the first five mass COVID-19 vaccination sites in the state, among other efforts.

The official end of the countywide emergency signals a different phase in the fight against COVID-19, but it does not mean an end to the county’s efforts to track and limit COVID-19 spread. Public Health and its partners continue the important work of getting info and resources to the community in an equitable way.

Update on COVID-19 Spread

For the first time in a long time, we have a low level of COVID-19 community spread in Maricopa County. This is according to the new CDC Community Level metrics that consider both case rates and hospitalization data. Even with low transmission and a new stage in the response, Public Health continues to provide resources for people who need testing, treatment, or vaccines. You can find all of it on our revamped COVID-19 website at Maricopa.gov/COVID19.

Small Business Resilience Program

Maricopa County has teamed up with Prestamos CDFI to award grants and low-interest loans to small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic. These loans can be used to keep businesses afloat or to help expand their operations.

Watch the video to see how one small business owner was able to secure a low one-percent interest loan to “future proof” his business.

NEWS BITES

Free Vaccine Events

Maricopa County Public Health will be offering free vaccines at El Buen Pastor Church April 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10 am to 3 pm. Vaccines being offered are COVID-19, the flu, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Tdap. This is a family friendly event. The Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine will be available for 5 to 11 year-olds.

Valley Metro Vanpool Program

Looking for ways to pay less at the pump? Try Valley Metro’s Vanpool Program. A Vanpool is a group of 6 to 15 people who commute to work together in a Valley Metro Van. Each van has a primary and alternate driver. The riders share the cost of operating the van including insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance, and fuel. You will cut down on gas costs and help the environment. Some employers offer vanpool subsidies.

View Vanpool Program Information >

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Offering $3,000 Sign-On Bonuses

Join the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer and receive a $3,000 sign-on bonus and up to $1,500 in relocation assistance.

You can apply at DETENTION.MCSO.ORG.

Desert Defenders

Join the Maricopa County Parks Department as they remove invasive species from our parks.

The events will be happening at Cave Creek Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and White Tank Mountain Regional Park.

Register to volunteer here >

Every Adoption Helps

In the month of February, Maricopa Animal Care and Control took in over 1,300 pets. They are expected to take in more than 1,500 in the month of March. With a set amount of resources and kennels available at the shelter, every adoption counts! Will you help?

Adopt now >

PETS AND PLACES

Pet of the Week

Meet Banner!

Are you ready for some exciting news? This irresistible, giant potato of a dog could be yours!

Banner is an older gentleman who has built up quite the fan base at the shelter, and you can probably see why! He's a solid 114 lbs. of pure joy and love. He loves to run, romp, and play out in the yard, but getting attention is his very favorite thing to do. He whole-heartedly believes that everyone he meets is his new best friend. Banner loves leaning against you for pets and rolling over so you can rub that big potato belly 😊

Visit our website or stop by the shelter to say hello - Banner is already neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and ready to go home with you as soon as today!

View All Adoptable Pets

Job of the Week

HR Job Posting - Climate and Health Epidemiologist

Climate and Health Epidemiologist Wanted!

As an Epidemiologist, you will be responsible for managing programs associated with our Climate & Health initiatives. This includes data analysis and surveillance projects to reduce heat-related deaths and other risks associated with climate to improve the health of Maricopa County.

Apply Now