The number of positive cases in Arizona are spreading like an out of control wild fire with over 120,000 cases now recorded, and more than 80,000 of those in Maricopa county alone. Arizona is now known as the number one hot spot in the world according to the New York Times. This is not a title Arizonans should be proud of. Yes, we are seeing more positive cases because of more testing which helps with contact tracing. By more testing, health officials were hoping to bring the PCR Positive Percentage down which was at around 5 percent when Arizona opened up. PCR results are generally reliable proxy for the presence of active virus infection. Our state is now at 14.1% indicating that the virus is widespread and active in the state. Gila county had a PCR of 1.8% when the state opened and now the PCR is 5.5%.

Governor Ducey has issued numerous Executive Orders to attempt to slow down the spread by closing bars, theatres, gyms, limiting gatherings to less than 50, and most recently limiting indoor dining to 50% capacity. He did not issue a state wide mandate to wear masks that many Mayors had requested, but he did authorize Mayors of cities across Arizona to create and enforce additional restrictions as needed.

This virus is not going away anytime soon. When Arizona opened up, we were not even at Phase 1 of the national recommendation of a downward trend and today our numbers continue to rise. We need to listen and make decisions for our community that are recommended by our Professional Health Officials. We need to slow the virus down with a plan in place so we can at least manage it and keep our residents safe and businesses open. Our healthcare systems are being overwhelmed and reaching maximum capacity in many cities. Our First Responders and Essential Workers that provide services to us are being infected and dying. It is everyone’s responsibility to help protect these groups as much as possible who provide us with the needed essentials of our everyday living.

There are four important recommendations that we can follow to be part of a solution. Good handwashing practices, social distancing, wearing a face mask, and stay at home if you are sick. The spread of Covid-19 is known to be spread by droplets from person to person. Wearing a face mask does not protect the wearer, but it will offer protection to others if this person is infected and asymptomatic. Wearing a mask is also not a replacement for social distancing. We must also avoid large gatherings.

The Proclamation mandates wearing a mask when in a public setting with groups of people that do not live in your household. We commend those businesses and residents who have been in compliance with this mandate. We understand that there are different opinions and beliefs about wearing a mask and we respect those. But, for now we need to listen to our health officials that state that a mask will help stop the spread of the virus. Wearing a mask is a very small gesture to protect each other and to help prevent another “Stay At Home Order”. There have been reports of individuals being rude and disrespectful to employees of businesses that are complying with this order and should not be tolerated. Do not blame these employees, it is a decision of your local leaders to protect our residents.

A few tips about choosing and wearing a mask. Make sure that you choose a mask that is comfortable for you so that you are not having to constantly adjust it. Wear the mask properly. Wearing the mask below your nose or at your chin defeats the purpose and does not offer protection to others. Wearing a mask does not replace social distancing. Doing both along with good hygiene practices are recommended for the best results.

Be respectful and kind to each other as we work through this virus together, especially to our essential workers of our community. We will be increasing our advertisement in the upcoming weeks so that visitors to our community are also aware of our mask mandate. Your elected leaders in the Globe, Miami, and San Carlos communities have signed these proclamations for the health, well-being, and protection of our residents.

“Together We Can Protect Our Communities”