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City of Cottonwood COVID-19 Response
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CDC Has Updated Isolation and Quarantine Recommendations
January 27, 2022
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated isolation and quarantine recommendations for the public, and is revising the CDC website to reflect these changes. These recommendations do not apply to healthcare personnel and do not supersede state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations.
U.S. Federal Government to Distribute At-Home Rapid COVID-19 Tests to Americans for Free
January 14, 2022
The U.S. government is giving families four (4) free rapid antigen tests to help increase access. Starting January 19th, Americans will be able to order their tests online at COVIDTests.gov, and tests will typically ship within 7-12 days of ordering. No credit card or insurance information is required.
Cottonwood emergency order requiring use of face coverings is in effect until further notice and is tied to CDC recommendations
August 18, 2020
Mayor Tim Elinski extended his June 19th Emergency Proclamation a second time, and this extension has no specified expiration date. The need for this measure is based on current CDC recommendations, and is being continually revisited.
To read the modified order, visit https://cottonwoodaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3706/Emergency-Proclamation-Extended-8-18-20.
The City of Cottonwood will be assessing how this order affects future plans and will issue updates as decisions are made. For more information please call 928-634-5526.
Arizona Department Of Health Services Phased Reopening Plan For Paused Industries
August 11, 2020
COTTONWOOD, AZ – Governor Ducey issues a plan that allows businesses forced to shutter as a result of the June 27 Executive Order 2020-43 “Pausing of Arizona’s Reopening.” The plan Includes data-driven benchmarks, phased reopening, and requirements to mitigate the spread Of Covid-19. The news release can be viewed at https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2020/08/arizona-department-health-services-phased-reopening-plan-paused-industries.
What does this mean for Yavapai County?
Yavapai County is currently in the "Moderate" transmission category. As outlined in the phased reopening plan, businesses who were forced to close as a result of the June 27 EO may submit an attestation form (https://medsisprod.azdhs.gov/EO2020-43AttestationFormSubmission/Category?_=MjAyMDA4MTEwODQ3&__=0.17203664573225907) stating they are in compliance of the guidelines required for opening while the county is designated in the moderate transmission category. To view the guidelines for each type of business, visit the pages listed below:
ADHS Requirements Bars and Nightclubs Providing Dine-In Services
ADHS Requirements for Bars and Nightclubs Not Operating as a Restaurant
ADHS Requirements for Indoor Theaters
ADHS Requirements for Indoor Gyms and Fitness Centers
ADHS Requirements for Water Parks & Tubing Operators
A dashboard available at azhealth.gov/businessCOVID19 indicates whether counties meet the recommended benchmarks for reopening of gyms, movie theaters, waterparks, tubing venues, and bars. Data on the dashboard will be updated weekly on Thursdays.
Cottonwood emergency order requiring use of face coverings extended 30 more days, with modification.
July 16, 2020
Mayor Tim Elinski extended his June 19th Emergency Proclamation for an additional 30 days, but modified the order with regard to local schools. Mayor Elinski is letting Governing Boards, Superintendents, Building Principals and/or other responsible officials establish guidelines that are in the best interest of the children, teachers, staff and families they serve, as well as the larger community.
We appreciate the support we have received from the community as we work together to reduce the spread of Covid-19. We also extend gratitude to all of our healthcare workers for your service and dedication in helping to protect public health.
To read the modified order, visit https://cottonwoodaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3518/Emergency-Proclamation-Extended-71620_001.
The City of Cottonwood will be assessing how this order affects future plans and will issue updates as decisions are made. For more information please call 928-634-5526.
Letter to Cottonwood Businesses in Response to Governor’s Order
July 1, 2020
Re: COVID-19 Safety Requirements
To Whom It May Concern,
As you are aware, the Governor has issued Executive Orders (2020-36, 2020-40, and 2020-43) regarding the latest developments and safety concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These orders specifically state that businesses must update their policies to contain the spread of COVID-19. Businesses shall update, adhere to, and enforce written policies in accordance with EO 2020-36 that adopt CDC, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and ADHS guidelines.
As of 8 p.m. on June 29, 2020, the Governor issued an order to pause operations of bars, indoor gyms, fitness clubs and centers, indoor movie theaters, water parks and tubing rentals (EO 2020-43). Additionally, all businesses shall adhere to and provide adequate safety measures to comply with the requirements listed in the below links:
The City of Cottonwood believes in educating businesses regarding these measures, however, due to the recent increase in COVID-19 infections in Arizona and the Verde Valley, continued non-compliance will result in enforcement action being taken by the City, as outlined in the Governor’s Executive Orders. The Department of Liquor Licenses and Control may also take enforcement action on establishments under their jurisdiction who do not comply with these measures. To report a violation please call 928-340-2739. Guidance about the Executive Orders from the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control can be found at the following links:
On June 19th the Mayor of the City of Cottonwood issued an Emergency Proclamation requiring the wearing of face coverings for any person over the age of three (3) within the City Limits. Exceptions to this requirement are included and can be found at the following link:
Your cooperation in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19 and keeping our community safe is appreciated. If you have any questions regarding these requirements, please contact City Officials at 928-634-5526.
Sincerely,
Scott Ellis, Community Development Director, 928-634-5505
Ron Corbin, City Manager, 928-634-5526
Governor’s order pauses operations of gyms and bars, prohibits mass gatherings
June 29, 2020
COTTONWOOD, AZ – Effective 8 p.m. today, all indoor gyms and bars with a Series 6 or 7 license must close to the public. All mass gatherings of 50 or more people are prohibited. To view Governor Ducey’s order visit https://azgovernor.gov/sites/default/files/eo_2020-43.pdf
At this time the City of Cottonwood will continue to keep City facilities open with the exception of the Community Recreation Center, which must now temporarily close the indoor facility. The outdoor pool will remain open for lap swimming. More details on the outdoor pool are forthcoming.
The City of Cottonwood will be assessing how this order affects future plans and will issue updates as decisions are made. For more information please call 928-634-5526.
August 11, 2020
Re-Opening Guidelines, Updated for Businesses Required to Pause Operations on June 27, 2020
ADHS Requirements Bars and Nightclubs Providing Dine-In Services
ADHS Requirements for Bars and Nightclubs Not Operating as a Restaurant
ADHS Requirements for Indoor Theaters
ADHS Requirements for Indoor Gyms and Fitness Centers
ADHS Requirements for Water Parks & Tubing Operators
A dashboard available at azhealth.gov/businessCOVID19 indicates whether counties meet the recommended benchmarks for reopening of gyms, movie theaters, waterparks, tubing venues, and bars. Data on the dashboard will be updated weekly on Thursdays.
May 4, 2020
Re-Opening Guidelines
As we all prepare for the re-opening of businesses in the Verde Valley, there are practices that must be implemented to help ensure safety to our community. Below is a list of documents supplied by Arizona state and health officials. All are encouraged to become familiar with these procedures:
- RETURN STRONGER: A Gradual Step-By-Step Plan For Reenergizing Arizona
- CDC GUIDANCE FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTING: Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes
- CDC GUIDANCE FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTING: Develop, Implement, Maintain, and Revise Your Plan
- GUIDANCE FOR RESTAURANTS PROVIDING DINE-IN SERVICES
- GUIDANCE FOR RETAIL
- FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS/RETAIL STORES: Guidelines and Best Practices for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
- GUIDANCE FOR BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS
- SALONS AND BARBERSHOPS: Guidelines and Best Practices for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
- YAVAPAI COUNTY CHILDCARE: Guidelines and Best Practices for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
- GYMS: Guidelines and Best Practices for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
- LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS: Guidelines and Best Practices for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
- OPENING A POOL OR SPA: Maintenance Tips for Operators
- ARIZONA FARMERS MARKETS: Safety Recommendations and Standards for Food Distribution and Purchases
- GUIDANCE FOR POOLS
- GUIDANCE FOR GYMS AND FITNESS PROVIDERS
- GUIDANCE FOR SPAS, MASSAGE THERAPISTS AND PERSONAL SERVICES
Ongoing Cottonwood Services
City of Cottonwood Building, Programs, and Services: The City of Cottonwood's buildings, programs, and services are open and available to the public.
Utility Online Bill Pay: The one-time payment fee for the Utility Billing online bill pay will be waived starting today, March 16, until further notice. We want to encourage customers to pay online, mail payments in, or call in payments instead of coming into the office to help keep everyone in the community healthy.
Cottonwood Police Department: The Cottonwood Police Department has suspended the following activities until further notice; Fingerprinting, Police Citizens Academy, Cadet Program, Ride-A-Long Program, and Facility Tours.
Cottonwood Area transit (CAT): Cottonwood Area Transit (CAT) has suspended cash fares on all routes. This temporary measure is being taken as a safety precaution for our riders, drivers, and staff that handle cash. Retain your monthly pass or punch pass for use after this precaution is lifted.
We are not making any modifications to the bus service at this time. Should this change we will inform you through the media, the City of Cottonwood website (CottonwoodAZ.gov), our Facebook page (facebook.com/CityofCottonwoodAZ), and via the RouteShout app.
Cottonwood Area Transit has stepped up its bus cleaning efforts to twice a day as part of the normal daily routine. We are doing what we can to help keep a safe working environment for both passengers and drivers. We are asking our passengers to help us with basic hygiene procedures:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and
- Please stay home if you are feeling sick.
All buses will have disinfectant available on the bus. Together, we can make a difference. For more information about Verde Valley public transportation, please call the CAT office at 928-634-2287.
City of Cottonwood Council Meeting: These meetings will continue as scheduled, but the community is encouraged to watch on Facebook Live. We will have a staff member monitoring and responding to questions as appropriate.
City of Cottonwood City Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting: Tonight’s meeting will be televised and the community is encouraged to watch on Facebook Live.
Ongoing Efforts
COVID-19 Senior Citizen Necessities Donation Drive
Public Safety members from the City of Cottonwood are banding together and helping to take care of those who have taken care of us.
As you are aware, this current crisis has caused extreme hardship on the elderly in our area. We are starting a donation drive to collect toilet paper and other essential toiletries for area seniors. All supplies collected will be donated to the elderly within our City. Please bring any new, unused items that you can spare to the front desk at the Cottonwood Police Department. Thank you for your support of our area seniors. Call 928-634-4246 for more details.
City of Cottonwood Community Resources Program
Initiated on April 1, 2020 to help the Verde Valley COVID-19 pandemic recovery
The public outpouring of support during this challenging time is reassuring—we will recover. The City of Cottonwood is ready to serve, and is collecting resources available in our community, and distributing this generosity through our newly-initiated Community Resources Program (CRP).
The Verde Valley houses a variety of non-profit organizations who help our community in many ways. Providing food, shelter, and counseling are just a few of the services that are available to those in need.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact Arizona, many of our residents have had to face new challenges, both health-related and otherwise. As these needs began to surface so did people stepping up to lend a hand. Some have reached out to the City to find out what is needed and where it should go. This is how the CRP got started.
Give Help
CAN YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION DONATE OR VOLUNTEER? At times like this many of us want to help, but also want our help to go where it is most needed. Contact the CRP to get connected! communityresources@cottonwoodaz.gov, 928-340-2700
Get Help
Do you or your family need help? If you need assistance during this time that is presenting hardships to so many, you don’t have to go it alone. Contact the CRP to get connected! We will be discreet and do our best to point you in the right direction.
Does your organization need help? We have a network working to get help to where it is most needed. Contact the CRP to get connected! communityresources@cottonwoodaz.gov, 928-340-2700
Donation Ideas
HAVE ITEMS TO DONATE? Donations are being accepted at the Cottonwood Recreation Center. Call ahead: 928-340-2700
• Money: we will put donated funds where they are needed the most
• Time: we will find out who is looking for more hands.
• Hand sanitizer
• Gloves
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Rubbing alcohol
• Diapers
• Baby formula.
• Tympanic thermometers
• Food
• Sterile cloth
Thanks to our Community Partners!
• Burt Black Jr. VFW Post 7400
• VFW Post 7400 Auxiliary
• Verde Valley Wine Consortium
To download a printable version of this information, click here.
Helpful Links
- Free At-Home COVID-19 Testing Kits: The U.S. government is giving families four (4) free rapid antigen tests to help increase access. These tests are completely free, and orders are expected to ship within 7-12 days. No credit card or insurance information is required.
- COVID-19 hotline: 844-542-8201
- Yavapai School Lunch Programs: Meals for children ages 1-18
- Community Resources: including COVID-19 info/referrals; child care; counseling, suicide and domestic violence help; early childhood development; LGBT help; mindfulness meditation; kids activities; wifi and internet help
- Homeless, Food, Pregnancy, Healthcare, Counseling: Verde Valley Community Information and Referrals
- Northern Arizona Healthcare COVID-19 Resources website
- School Closure Information: COCSD School Closure Update
- Yavapai County Emergency Food Bank Resources
- Old Town Mission is open and providing services.
- Sedona Fire District COVID-19 Dashboard website
- Arizona Dept of Health Services website
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website
- Yavapai County Community Health Services website
- Community Development: Adjusted Building Operations
- Community Development: Adjusted Planning, Zoning, and Code Enforcement
- Unemployment Insurance Benefits Q&A from the Department of Economic Security
- Unemployment Insurance Benefits - CARES Act from the Department of Economic Security
- Unemployment resources: NACOG Economic/Workforce Development Division: Coronavirus Response Resources
- Restaurant employee help: Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
- Need help paying bills? The U.S. Government has posted resources to help individuals and families.
- Arizona Together is a state website offering support and resources to families and businesses in the state of Arizona.
- Support Local Arizona: website offering ways to contribute to help your favorite local businesses stay in business
- Caring and connection in the time of Covid-19: ASU’s Center for Mindfulness, Compassion and Resilience
- Mind, Body, Spirit resources
- Mental Health Resources and Support
Cottonwood Connected Campaign
The #CottonwoodConnected Campaign offers a virtual platform for our community members to share positive news and connect with each other. The campaign also offers a platform for donations to relief efforts.
Donate Money: The Cottonwood Coronavirus Relief Fund will provide financial support to organizations working to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 in the Verde Valley. There is a donation button on the website where you can securely make a monetary donation: https://cottonwoodconnected.com/
Donate Goods & Services: Businesses and organizations can also support the initiative through the donation of goods, services or volunteer efforts by employee groups. Get your organization engaged in our work to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Arizonans. Donate goods and services to the City of Cottonwood Community Resources Program—click the tab above and to the left to find out more.
Share Your Goodness: Record a video to help spread positivity in the Verde Valley. A form is available on the website to upload your video: https://cottonwoodconnected.com/
- Small Business Support Programs During Covid-19
- COVID-19 Arizona Business Resources from the Arizona Commerce Authority website
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Yavapai College website
- U.S. Small Business Administration Coronavirus Relief Options website
- CARES Act Guides: US Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
- Loans to help rural businesses: USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
- How to apply for an SBA Loan: SBA Economic Injury DLA Process and Fact Sheet
- Where to apply for a small business loan: Active SBA Lenders in Arizona
- Help for Small Businesses facing closure: NACOG Economic/Workforce Development Division: Coronavirus Response Resources
- Keep paying your employees: Paycheck Protection Program Fact Sheet and Application
- Local First Arizona website offers resources to support small businesses
- Small Business Relief Fund Application through Local Arizona First
- Guidance from Faith-based Organizations from the SBDC
- Arizona Together is a state website offering support and resources to families and businesses in the state of Arizona.
- Help for non-profits through Arizona Community Foundation's Arizona Covid-19 Community Response Fund
- Small Business Grants Program from Facebook
- SBDC: SYNOPSIS OF THREE LOANS AND THE ADVANCE @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
Executive Orders
Below please find the direct link to all of the Executive Orders directly on the official website of the Office of the Arizona Governor: