In response to the threat of a COVID-19 outbreak, Mayor Kenn Weise today signed a Proclamation of a Local Emergency in the City of Avondale. The declaration will provide additional resources to assist the city in coordinating response measures during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak affecting communities across the nation, and allow for the city to implement measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
During this local emergency, the Mayor shall have the authority to impose all necessary regulations to preserve the peace and order in the City.
Said Mayor Weise: "In light of Maricopa County’s emergency declaration today to the coronavirus epidemic, Avondale is joining cities around the Valley to ensure that we’re following guidelines set by Arizona Department of Health Services and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health to protect the safety of our community and residents."
As part of this Declaration, the City of Avondale is adhering to recommendations set by public health agencies for dining establishments in areas of known community spread to discourage dine-in traffic, and instead provide curbside pickup, delivery or drive-through service.
- Coff Effective immediately, all restaurants and bar operators are directed to adhere to Arizona Department of Health recommendations as they pertain to dining establishments https://azdhs.gov/ee
- The dining establishment must have an active sanitation cleaning program in place to clean after every patron leaves the establishment.
These emergency management measures will be in place for an undetermined period of time to reduce the severity of the local emergency, receive available aid, and to protect the health, safety, life and property in Avondale.
"We fully understand that these guidelines will impact the bottom line of many of our small businesses," Mayor Weise said. "These actions are necessary to protect the public’s health and help curb the spread of disease in our community."
Mayor Weise added: "The Avondale City Council understands the anxiety surrounding the uncertainty and challenges ahead. Our foremost priority is ensuring that the City is taking the necessary steps to protect the public’s health. Please know that we are all in this together, and that we will do our utmost to help our local businesses weather this crisis.
Avondale’s Economic Development Team is working on a Business Retention and Small Business Recovery Plan, taking into account many of the concerns from local businesses. They can be reached at (623) 333-1400 or via email at ecdev@avondaleaz.gov.
"We’re committed to working with our businesses as they make the necessary adjustments to their operations," said City Manager Charles Montoya.
The Centers for Disease Control is recommending that individuals practice social distancing to minimize the risk of contracting the new corona virus illness and other respiratory illnesses. To minimize the potential spread of illness, the following changes will be in effect till further notice:
- American Sports Centers (ASC) Avondale: ASC Avondale, which operates at the city-owned Randall McDaniel Sports Complex, has suspended all programs, leagues and games starting as of today, until further notice.www.ascavondale.com
- Youth & Adult Sports: Competitive and recreational leagues are canceled.
- Special Interest Classes: Dance, fitness, music, martial arts and other classes are canceled.
- Special Events: All special events through early May, are canceled, including: CulturePOP, KidFest, Movie in the Park, and Avondale Fiesta.
- Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off event: Scheduled for March 21 is canceled.
- Classes and Workshops: All classes and workshop, hosted at all city facilities, are canceled or postponed.
- Senior Center: Senior Programs has suspended activities and transportation at the Avondale Senior Center until further notice. Home Delivered Meal Program will continue. Participants who rely on the congregate meal program (lunch at the senior center), can pick up a nutritious Brown Bag meal from 11:30am to 12:30 pm on weekdays from the Senior Center, located at 1007 S. Third Street. If participants who normally receive transportation services from our Senior Center are unable to attend during lunch service, accommodations will be made to deliver meals. Weekly Mobile Food Pantry will remain in effect. For questions regarding the Senior Center, call 623.333.2705.
- Libraries: City libraries are closed. Patrons are encouraged to use online services. www.avondalelibrary.org
- Passport Services: Passport services at City Hall are suspended.
- Facility Rentals: City facility/meeting room rentals are suspended. Parks & Recreation has also suspended reservations for parks/fields, ramadas.
These emergency management measures will be in place for an undetermined period of time to reduce the severity of the local emergency, receive available aid, and to protect the health, safety, life and property in Avondale.
"We fully understand that these guidelines will impact the bottom line of many of our small businesses," Mayor Weise said. "These actions are necessary to protect the public’s health and help curb the spread of disease in our community."
Mayor Weise added: "The Avondale City Council understands the anxiety surrounding the uncertainty and challenges ahead. Our foremost priority is ensuring that the City is taking the necessary steps to protect the public’s health. Please know that we are all in this together, and that we will do our utmost to help our local businesses weather this crisis.
Avondale’s Economic Development Team is working on a Business Retention and Small Business Recovery Plan, taking into account many of the concerns from local businesses. They can be reached at (623) 333-1400 or via email at ecdev@avondaleaz.gov.
"We’re committed to working with our businesses as they make the necessary adjustments to their operations," said City Manager Charles Montoya.
The Centers for Disease Control is recommending that individuals practice social distancing to minimize the risk of contracting the new corona virus illness and other respiratory illnesses. To minimize the potential spread of illness, the following changes will be in effect till further notice:
- Advising those who are sick not to enter public buildings.
- Encouraging interactions online, by phone, or by email, when possible.
- Increased sanitizing efforts of city buildings, with special focus on high traffic spaces, including handrails, elevator buttons, and restrooms.
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