Tucson NewsNet Daily Digest - A Service of the City of Tucson
FREE COVID-19 TESTS FOR UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA STUDENTS - Approximately 2,000 University of Arizona students recently moved into five private student housing towers around campus, which UArizona does not control. Since these residents from all over the country aren't subject to school-run housing rules and health checks, Ward 6 Tucson City Council Member Steve Kozachik has set up voluntary, free COVID-19 saliva testing for this Friday and Saturday, 5-8 p.m., in the parking lot of the Islamic Center near the towers. "None of the students went through any wellness check prior to moving in. We need to get them tested or they represent a substantial threat for community spread," Kozachik said. "Working with Lisa Ritter from Rescue Me Wellness (RMW) and Pima County CARES funds, we're making that opportunity available during this first week of classes." Results will be confirmed within 48 hours by a phone call from RMW directly to the person who was tested. Privacy is maintained. Neither UArizona, the City of Tucson, Pima County, nor housing management will have any access to individuals' names or contact information. Rescue Me Wellness Facebook Ward 6 Council Office
COVID-19 WEDNESDAY UPDATE - As of today, Aug. 26, Arizona now has 199,459 positive coronavirus cases, with 187 new cases reported today (down from from 859 yesterday). The total number of cases includes people who have recovered. Of that number, 20,911 cases are in Pima County (down 8 from yesterday after a data revision). There have been 4,896 COVID-19 deaths in Arizona (104 reported today), and 563 of those occurred in Pima County (10 reported today). 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. Data Dashboard from the Arizona Department of Health Services City of Tucson COVID-19 website
PARK TUCSON RESUMES METER ENFORCEMENT - The City of Tucson/Park Tucson is resuming enforcement of metered parking spaces, weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., effective immediately. Motorists who park at a metered space are expected to pay for the time parked and to observe the posted time limit (generally 1-2 hours). Initial citations for violations will be warnings, which means no payment is due. Subsequent violations will receive “real” citations, which include a $42 fine. With the coronavirus still present in our environment, using your smartphone to download the free GoTucson Parking mobile app for your metered parking is the best way to pay safely and avoid violations for going over time at the meter. The app can alert you before your meter expires, allowing you to purchase additional time from your phone (up to the posted time limit) or to return in time to move your vehicle. If you don't have the app or smartphone, but can still access the internet, you can visit the GoTucson Parking app link below to pay. You can also call (520) 441-3752. GoTucson Parking Park Tucson
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
URBAN LAND INSTITUTE TO DISCUSS MOUNTAIN WEST RECOVERY PROGRAM - COVID-19 has affected cities across the globe, both physically and economically, and Tucson is no exception. Tomorrow, Aug. 27, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) will bring together four district councils from across the Mountain West Region of the United States to explore the outlook for the recovery process and what lies ahead. Adam Kamins, director of economic research with Moody's Analytics, will deliver the economic keynote address and discuss how Western cities might be positioned to bounce back better than most. Adam Briones, economic equity director of the Greenlining Institute, will deliver the equity keynote speech. Other panelists include City of Tucson Economic Initiatives Director Barbra Coffee and representatives from other regions. There is a cost for tomorrow's 11 a.m.-12:30 virtual event, and registration is required at the link below. Register ConnectTucson
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