COVID Community Resources
Cares Act Stimulus Payments: What to Know + Watch for
To help those encountering economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), President Trump and the U.S. Congress passed a $2 trillion stimulus package, known as the CARES Act. Many Americans will benefit from a direct payment due to this legislation, but it is critically important that you understand the eligibility requirements, how the payments will be transmitted and the new COVID-19 scams cropping up. Learn more here.
How Parents and Students Can Adjust to Schools Closing
The shifting educational landscape poses a challenge for everyone, yet these challenges can be met with adaptation. With the proper structure, resources, and enthusiasm, parents can help transform this transition into an opportunity for meaningful growth and enrichment for their children. Read more for great strategies and best practices to help students learning at home during the pandemic.
Arizona + Federal Agencies Unite to Combat Coronavirus Scams
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced the formation of a joint task force along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat fraud related to the coronavirus outbreak. The task force, made up of a dozen members from local and federal agencies, including the FBI, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Defense Criminal Investigative Services, will investigate fraud claims quicker and more efficiently. Learn more in the Attorney General’s Office press release.
Life365 COVID-19 Telehealth Town Hall
Life365 CEO Kent Dicks moderates a distinguished panel of experts, Dr. David Shulkin, Dr. Bob Arnot and Dr. Mehrdad Shafa, as they discuss the healthcare challenges of COVID-19, how to implement Telehealth and remote-patient monitoring, as well as other strategies to help take pressure off of the healthcare system.
Ducey Announces $6.7 Million to Support Vulnerable Arizonans
Gov. Doug Ducey announced an initial $6.7 million in funding to support Arizona food banks, nutrition programs and programs that serve the homeless. The dollars are part of a $50 million COVID-19 relief package signed into law by Gov. Ducey and will have an immediate impact for Arizona’s most at-risk communities. Across the state, Arizonans are uniting to support one another and help those most in need. These dollars will bolster those efforts by expanding homeless services and strengthening food security through investments in Arizona food banks. Learn more here.
65 and Older Emissions Inspection Testing Waiver
During this public health emergency, if you are a resident that is 65 and older who has an emissions test required on your vehicle registration renewal notice, you can delay testing for up to one year by acquiring a waiver from ADEQ’s Director. We are currently accepting waiver applications for vehicle registration renewals due in March, April or May of 2020. To learn more or to apply online for the 65 and Older Waiver, visit http://azdeq.gov/65waiver.
Electric Utility Relief Package
Governor Doug Ducey announced on March 26, 2020, a cooperative agreement with the state’s largest electric utilities to continue to provide reliable electricity to homes, hospitals, and businesses while making sure that Arizona residents facing financial difficulties will have choice, assistance, and reliable access to electricity. Under the agreement, Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and six electric cooperatives have all agreed to a list of innovative solutions and services to protect customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about Gov. Ducey’s commitment to working with Arizona utilities to ensure customers remain safe and connected to power and water.
Gov. Ducey Announces Launch of 2-1-1 COVID-19 Hotline
Governor Doug Ducey announced the launch of a new statewide COVID-19 Hotline through $2 million in funding provided by the Arizona Department of Economic Security. The hotline is administered by 2-1-1 Arizona and the Crisis Response Network and will offer an entry point to field questions and concerns from Arizona residents about COVID-19. With this hotline launch, Arizonans can get important COVID-19 related information in English and Spanish by simply dialing 2-1-1. The line will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day of the week and can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 while an individual is located in Arizona. Read more: https://bit.ly/2QUu6qb
Federal Reserve Support for Households and Small Businesses
To support the credit needs of American households and businesses, the Federal Reserve Board announced on March 17, 2020, that it will establish a Primary Dealer Credit Facility (PDCF). The facility will allow primary dealers to support smooth market functioning and facilitate the availability of credit to businesses and households. The PDCF will offer overnight and term funding with maturities up to 90 days and will be available on March 20, 2020. It will be in place for at least six months and may be extended as conditions warrant. Credit extended to primary dealers under this facility may be collateralized by a broad range of investment grade debt securities, including commercial paper and municipal bonds, and a broad range of equity securities. Learn more HERE.
Arizona Department of Health Services
For frequently asked questions, local health resources, and the most current, up-to-date information on COVID-19 cases in Arizona, VISIT HERE. For the most up-to-date information on the outbreak across the country, please visit the CDC’s COVID-19 website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Guidance to Schools
This page contains guidance and resources for Arizona’s public district and charter schools as they navigate COVID-19 response. The situation around COVID-19 is rapidly changing, so please continue to check this page for updates and guidance. Gov. Doug Ducey and State Superintendent Kathy Hoffman will continue to work together and assess this situation on a 24/7 basis. During this time, the Arizona Department of Education will continue to develop and share guidance to schools regarding instructional time, statewide testing, provision of special education services, school meals, and more. Visit here: www.azed.gov/communications/2020/03/10/guidance-to-schools-on-covid-19