Tucson NewsNet Daily Digest - A Service of the City of Tucson
PIMA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAYS IN-PERSON SCHOOLING FOR ALL IS NOT SAFE AT THIS TIME - As the COVID-19 coronavirus continues to spread in our community, the Pima County Health Department says it’s unsafe to reopen schools next month for traditional face-to-face learning. The guidance, released to Tucson-area schools yesterday, July 28, says the earliest traditional instruction should be anticipated to resume is after Labor Day. That guidance comes from Pima County Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Cullen and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Francisco Garcia. They say their recommendation is based on public health data, but schools are not required to follow their guidance. Although the doctors' guidance does not advocate resuming traditional face-to-face learning, it does recommend opening schools for at-risk youth, on a limited basis, as envisioned in Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s latest executive order. The Arizona Department of Health Services will release health metrics by Aug. 7 that schools can refer to while deciding when to resume traditional in-person instruction. However, the Pima County Health Department has its own metrics, which the governor’s executive order says schools should consider as well.
From the Arizona Daily Star
Pima County Health Department
Arizona Department of Health Services
COVID-19 WEDNESDAY UPDATE - As of today, July 29, Arizona now has 168,273 positive coronavirus cases, with 2,339 new cases reported today. The total number of cases includes people who have recovered. Of that number, 15,601 cases are in Pima County. There have been 3,454 COVID-19 deaths in Arizona, and 431 of those occurred in Pima County. Meanwhile, the City of Tucson maintains an up-to-date COVID-19 website (link below) that includes information for businesses, residents, and even activities for kids. The site is updated as information evolves.
COVID-19 website
TUCSON UNDER EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING (VIDEO) - Tucson's summer temperatures are ramping up again, with highs reaching or surpassing 110 degrees tomorrow and Friday. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for today, July 29, through Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. In the video linked below, watch Tucson Fire Department Battalion Chief Barrett Baker give tips on how to keep yourself cool during the heat wave.
Watch the video on Twitter
National Weather Service 7-day forecast
FOOD BANK NEEDS VOLUNTEERS - The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is recruiting volunteers to distribute food to those in need, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many of the regular volunteers are unable to help at this time. Volunteers are needed to help on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. They should be at least 16 years old, healthy, be able to work in the heat, and be able to lift and stand for several hours. There are also other opportunities in Tucson, Amado, Green Valley, Marana, and Nogales. For more information or to offer help, email volunteer@communityfoodbank.org.
Community Food Bank volunteer opportunities
PIMA ANIMAL CARE CENTER TAKES IN TWO DOZEN CATS FROM RV - Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) has taken in around 30 cats and kittens from a recreational vehicle near South Nogales Highway and East Pima Street. All of them appear to have upper respiratory issues, and there was one dead kitten in a crate. All of the cats, except for two, appear lethargic. The temperature inside the RV was 101 degrees, and PACC responded to neighbor complaints about conditions in and around the vehicle. These pets will not immediately be available to foster or adopt because they are still being evaluated.
News release from PACC
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