City of Phoenix Closes Libraries & Indoor Parks & Rec Facilities

March 13, 2020March 16, 2020 PRESS RELEASE coronavirus

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Update March 15 from the City of Phoenix: “Until further notice, beginning Monday morning, March 16, all city libraries and indoor Parks and Recreation facilities will be temporarily closed. This added measure is being taken based on new recommendations from health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state leaders, which included temporarily halting gatherings where groups of 50 or more people gather, and the temporary closing of all schools in Arizona.” The following press release was issued March 13:

CITY OF PHOENIX — In response to worldwide developments surrounding the Coronavirus, including the President of the United States declaring a national emergency, the city of Phoenix is taking action to ensure the safety and well-being of Phoenix’s residents, businesses, visitors and its own employees.

These actions are the result of lengthy discussions with city leaders from all departments and at all levels. These decisions were also made based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Maricopa County Public Health Department. The goal is to reduce the possibility of community spread of Coronavirus by reducing large group gatherings and encouraging the use of “social distancing.”

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

Temporary closures, suspensions and cancellations:

Human Services:
- All 15 city Senior Centers are closed: details on lunch service will be provided to each Senior Center member
- VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program: Details on which locations are closed will be on the city website Phoenix.gov
- Head Start home visits are suspended
Parks & Recreation Youth, Adult and Senior Programs are suspended, although buildings remain open. This includes:
- Youth and Adult Sports Leagues
- Adaptive Recreation
- PAC Afterschool programs located in school districts that have suspended school operations
All Library in-branch programs are either suspended or cancelled during this time, although buildings remain open
Office of Youth and Education’s AARP literary programs are cancelled
Community Meetings and Outreach Events in city buildings are temporarily suspended and city staff will not be attending community meetings during this time
Large gatherings: It is recommended that all large gatherings on city property be postponed
The Convention Center, Municipal Court and Aviation will make business decisions based on their contractual or other oversight governance
In-person Service Offered at City Facilities: Recommendations are to use as much online services as possible where available
Other than Senior Centers, all city facilities are currently open

The following areas are open, but being evaluated daily:

City Hall and other city facility services
Libraries
Parks recreation centers
City Services Customer Pay Stations
Family Advocacy Center
One Stop Career Services
City Council meetings and Boards and Commission meetings including limitations on public attendance

City services currently continuing to operate:

Online services
Police, Fire and 911
Trash and recycling services
Water and wastewater
Planning and Development services
Public Transit including Dial-a-Ride
Street Maintenance
Finance and Procurement
Human Resources
Outdoor city parks

The following resources are available for the public to keep connected with essential city services:

Phoenix.gov/Newsroom: The city’s own news website where updates will be posted as they happen.
Social Media: Information will be updated regularly on Facebook and Twitter
Phoenix.gov/AtYourService: The city’s online portal to access and make requests for many city services.
Phoenix.gov: The homepage for all Phoenix departments
Phoenix.gov/PHXTV: The city’s 24-hour streaming service broadcasting programming from PHXTV, the city’s own TV channel.
311 Assistance: The city has activated a 311-system to answer questions. People should call 602-262-3111

In addition, the city’s Human Resources Department is working with departments to encourage teleworking for city staff where applicable.

The City’s Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor the Coronavirus health emergency around the clock and will provide updates to city customers as they become available.

Editor’s Note: The NoPhoNews Coronavirus Page has other news and information on the virus and local reaction.

PRESS RELEASE

North Phoenix News posts selected press releases, unedited, when we think they’d be of broad interest to one or more communities in the region. The organization submitting the press release is responsible for its contents, and press releases are labeled to distinguish them from news and features we report and write. (See more press releases.)