PHOENIX – Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio urged Phoenicians to remain calm, stick together and wash their hands. DiCiccio issued his common-sense statement in response to Governor Doug Ducey’s declaration of a medical emergency and President Trump’s proposed response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Currently, nine cases of coronavirus have been identified in Arizona. Ducey’s declaration allows the state to use emergency funding and gives state health officials authority to procure needed medical supplies with the expectation of more cases.
Communities across the state are responding to the declaration with increased efforts to ensure public safety and track exposure to the virus.
Over the weekend, two Canadian passengers who flew on WestJet from Phoenix to Toronto on February 28, 2020 have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Canadian Health Officials. As a result, in addition to Sky Harbor’s 24-hour cleaning schedule, the Airport has increased the number of times per day it sanitizes high-touch areas.
Phoenix Public Library system and the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues have implemented all precautions issued by county, state and federal officials.
Councilman DiCiccio’s message:
In the last few hours, we’ve seen Governor Ducey announce a state of emergency here in Arizona, the NBA suspend its schedule, and President Trump announce an unprecedented range of travel restrictions, along with a host of other measures and financial supports to assist people through what will be a trying time.
Make no mistake, the following days and weeks we are all going to face significant, and potentially very trying, disruptions to our lives. However – I want to be clear – this is not the time to panic. If you are under the age of 80, and in good health, your risk from COVID-19 is extremely small. Symptoms are generally mild. Our concern must extend, foremost, to our elderly, those with compromised immune systems, or individuals with significant underlying conditions. If you fall into one of these categories, it is critical that you take all available precautions. You can get more information on the best, updated practices to protect yourself here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html [cdc.gov]
If you are generally healthy, but find yourself with any of the symptoms of the common cold or flu, please stay home and attempt to isolate yourself as much as possible until the symptoms have completely passed.
If you are experiencing these symptoms and need to seek medical attention, please call ahead to the hospital and make arrangements for your arrival.
If you are forced to call 911, please inform the operator that you are experiencing these symptoms, so that our first responders can also take the proper precautions.
The City of Phoenix, our first responders, and critical incident response systems are among the best in the country, and they are well prepared and trained to respond to any emergency. Additionally, City of Phoenix personnel across all our departments are ramping up our response to this public health hazard.
To that end, our office will remain open throughout this crisis, even if we are forced to do so remotely. If you need assistance, we will be available to respond by phone (602-262-7491) or email (Council.District.6@Phoenix.gov). We will also continue to monitor and update you via our social media accounts. If you are in need, do not hesitate to call, we will work to connect you with the proper resources or help you need.
God Bless and Stay Strong,
Sal, Sam, Jaimie, and Erin