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Arizona
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2021-07-12
Letter addressed to Governor Ducey of AZ
In late July following cities across Maricopa County enacting mask ordinances, businesses started posting signage asking customers to wear masks in order to be serviced. At the Starbucks in Scottsdale at Hayden and Osborn, my coworker received this document from a customer who was asked to put on a mask in our lobby in order to have her order taken. The document expresses a belief that covid is a fictitious disease. -
2020-07-01
‘They’re scared’: A look inside the COVID-19 crisis in Arizona prisons.
By Katelyn Keenehan | Luce Foundation: Southwest Stories Fellowship -
2020-06-26
Arizona State University encourages mask wearing in branding
Before students return to campus in the Fall, ASU is promoting mask wearing as a public health measure. These are from ASU’s main Facebook page as well as the page for the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies. -
2020-06-13
BLM Protest Poster
These posters are shared on public groups and forums. It helps people to organize protests. This one asks that people wear masks. -
2020-06-26
Exploring...Finally
Our family has been following strict a shelter-in-place since March 13. We have only left the house for contactless grocery pick up and have visited the gas station once. Other than that, we have been isolated. Today, we decided that it would do us all some good to get some fresh air. We left for a favorite nearby hike as soon as we woke up to beat the crowds. We encountered a total of 10 people but were successfully able to keep our distance of 6-10 feet. All but 2 people were masked on the trail. It baffles me as to why people still refuse to wear masks. Especially in this situation in which they could easily remove the mask once they passed other people. Overall, the hike was wonderfully and did us all a lot of good. I was really impressed by my children who had no problems masking independently throughout the hike. -
2020-06-25
Scottsdale night club charged with failing to follow Covid protocols
Popular night clubbing area "Old Town" in Scottsdale has been ordered to follow covid protocols when open to lower spread of the virus. Arizona has been fully open for some time now, including night clubs and bars. One popular night club in Old Town, Riot House, has been charged with a misdemeanor for failing to follow health protocols. Fully open close contact businesses like night clubs and bars have been pointed to as to why Arizona cases have spiked in recent weeks. As a student at Arizona State, i personally frequented Old Town and Riot House as many students do, so to see criminal charges being brought against them caught my eye. Although it is unlikely the owners will face serious legal trouble, it is clear they placed profit over health. Places like Riot House and other nightclubs currently open during the pandemic likely served as super spreader hot spots. These hot spots also likely played a large role in why Arizona is currently a global covid hotspot. I personally know many friends and acquaintances who attended night clubs in Old Town and Mill Ave in the previous weeks who have now tested positive for the virus. -
2020-06-25
Strange crossover between anti mask protests and George Floyd BLM protests
Scottsdale councilman Guy Phillips made national headlines today due to his comments at an anti mask rally in Scottsdale. Phillips parroted the popular BLM phrase and George Floyds dying words "I Can't Breathe" in relation to his feelings on being forced to wear a mask. A portion of Americans around the country and here in Arizona have been expressing disdain for new mandates requiring masks in public to prevent further spread of the virus through protests and gatherings. These new mask mandates come as Covid cases spike here in Arizona and across the nation. I found this tweet and the actions of Phillips here to be especially noteworthy due to the complete misunderstanding of not only the public health recommendations regarding masks but also the core message of BLM protestors. This elected official seems to disregard the dying words of Floyd by mimicking them to express his unwillingness to wear a mask, which, to me, seemed absurd. A big part of this stage of Covid in America is both the "giving up" of trying to flatten the curve by many people and government officials and the "anti health mandates" portion of the public and government officials who have turned the virus into some sort of political debate. Phillips exemplifies the latter, and I felt it necessary to include this example as I felt this is a rather uniquely American phenomenon or thought process. -
2020-05-17
An Afternoon at Kiwanis Park
After weeks of quarantine at home, my partner and I decided to try and get out of our house and do something fun. We decided that a park would be most safe, so we donned our masks and headed to Kiwanis Park in Tempe to play some Pokemon Go. Although there were there numerous signs outlining specific measures to keep park-goers safe, the park was split about 50-50 in terms of people wearing and not wearing masks. As we left the park, I heard one woman loudly complaining to her friend "So now I'm supposed to prioritize other people's safety over my comfort?" She was, of course, not wearing a mask. -
2020-05-31
Picking Up Brunch
COVID has really made me re-evaluate my eating habits. I've seen so many amazing restaurants and bars close during the pandemic, and it has made me hyper aware of the need to shop local. Due to the economic impacts of the virus, I've stopped ordering from chain restaurants, and I find myself only ordering from local vegetarian and vegan restaurants who I want to see stay in business. Beyond worrying about the economic stress placed on local restaurants, current events have been eye opening regarding the values of certain businesses. There have been restaurants and bars in both Phoenix and Tempe that are reporting several COVID-19 cases among staff but have refused to close. One such example of this has been Zipps Sports Grill, where the manager waited nearly a week before disclosing a series of COVID cases among staff. In other places, such as Mill Avenue in Tempe or Old Town Scottsdale, photos have emerged of patrons packed together at bars without any masks at all. It is unconscionable to watch these businesses-- some of which are legitimately at the center of public health outbreaks-- refuse to close, placing business interests above human lives. Beyond these public health concerns, some restaurants have outwardly supported police or penalized employees for supporting protesters following the murder of George Floyd. The popular chain Starbucks, for example, initially banned the wearing of "#BlackLivesMatter" pins until public outcry forced them to update their policy. While a lot of restaurants and bars have been terrible, there have been other restaurants which have adapted in really awesome ways. The photos attached here capture my experiences picking up brunch at one of my favorite restaurants in Phoenix, The Coronado, a self described "{Woman + POC + LGBTQ Owned}" vegetarian spot in Phoenix. Early on in the pandemic, the restaurant made adjustments to ensure pick-up would be safe. As you can see in these photographs, the line is clearly marked with red tape so patrons always stay six feet apart, there is never more than one guest in the restaurant at a time, and masks are required. Although not pictured here, inside the restaurant, a plexiglass barrier has been set up to ensure there is a shield between the employees and the patrons, and payment is contact-less so no cash or checks are allowed to reduce contact spread. The Coronado has also been fairly active in Phoenix, using their platforms to highlight the needs and successes of local organizations. It's also possible that they have THE BEST french fries in all of Arizona. This pandemic has forced me to re-evaluate my values as a consumer. I don't want to give my money to irresponsible, uncaring, super chains who are more concerned with profits than ethics. Luckily, there are a lot of awesome restaurants in Phoenix that have great safety measures and great community engagement. I hope when this pandemic ends people will remember which businesses put profits over people and will continue to shop critically. I know I will. -
2020-06-19
Mask Up Phoenix
As case numbers in Arizona continue to rise, governor Doug Ducey has finally allowed cities to mandate the usage of masks in public spaces. This is the official City of Phoenix Instagram account publicly supporting face masks. -
2020-06-21
Harvard epidemiologist outlines steps still needed to flatten curve and doubts schools US reopening anytime soon.
Once again I felt the importance of this tweet is related to my own state and even my own school. Here we have a leading expert on Covid highlighting the steps needed to flatten the curve (masks, no large indoor gatherings, no reopening early), yet all these steps have been disregarded by my state. For example, Mill Ave, popular clubbing area in Tempe, had clubs fully open, packed with people, and no masks required just last weekend. And of course the state has already fully opened up. The epidemiologist also shares his doubts about schools reopening in the fall and still being safe, but ASU has already committed to being back on campus in the fall, which highlights the seemingly random decision making taking place all across the nation as institutions, states, and business have to decide between public health and economics. -
2020-05-21
Covid 19 Pandemic
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2020-05-10
student search to find a job during COVID-19
Biography -
2020-05-03
My Transition
This is a short record of the changes in my life that took place due to the pandemic. -
2020-04-30
Grocery Stores and Masks
#REL101: A Personal account of their concern going out into public. -
2020-04-28
A brief memoir written by a trapped Chineses student at ASU
It is the third week after transition of classes started in ASU. My life started to become monotone after the spring break which was 3.17. Dining hall did not allow dine-in anymore. The chairs inside the nearest dining hall—Hassayampa, were all put away and sanitized towels were placed in bowls on tables. The dining hall staffs began to provide us with disposable plastic boxes to fill the meals and they even wore glosses to prevent spreading epidemic. The transitioning of classes announced by ASU was said to maintain for two weeks, but it was extended through the semester at the end of the first week after spring break. My first roommate decided to go back home right after the new policy, and my second and third roommate moved out during the second week, which left me alone in the dorm. My daily routine is: wake up--breakfast--online classes--dining hall--dorm--online classes--dining hall-- dorm--homework or video games. It was not as monotone as weekdays during the weekends, since I could spend more time on leisure instead of studying. In the light of the epidemic, I was discouraged by myself as well as my parents and the local government to do any social contacts. But thanks to the virtual technologies, I use zoom to make video contacts with my friends and Wechat to contact with my parents. They worry about my safety in U.S. because they are mostly back in China where the epidemic is approximately purged; in the contrast, the cases in U.S. are increasing. They fear the public order here are disrupted and urge me to hoard food in case that the dining hall might close or something worse happen. Most importantly, they all ask me to wear mask if I am outdoor. In U.S., I barely see people wearing masks outdoor, which is greatly opposite in China. Here is a fun fact that can explain why CDC does not recommend people wearing masks: Half of the production of masks among the world are in China, which explains why CDC does not recommend wearing masks while purchasing masks from other countries to meet the need of medical staffs. CDC may explain that no empirical results prove wearing masks can prevent the spreading of virus, but if it really can’t, then the epidemic in China will not get better than it used to be with the help of masks. Few people wearing masks in U.S. is my greatest concern, because it cannot efficiently slow down the spreading rate of Covid-19. Based on the status quo of epidemic in U.S., cases will keep growing and need time of months to see the turning point. And even now, the travel level for China is still “4”, which means Chinese are not allowed to enter U.S. Because I bought the flight ticket to China at the end of this semester, I am afraid that I will be declined to reenter U.S. even during August. I truly wish the epidemic around the world will stop in the coming months and the vaccine for Covid-19 can be successfully produced. Stay healthy, wash hands frequently, keep social distances and wear masks if you can. -
2020-04-28
A Personal Reflection on the Pandemic
In early March of 2020, it was business as usual. I had a full schedule that included a 50 hour a week job, classes at Arizona State University, friends to socialize with, and of course, my family. As the next fifty-five days (and counting) marched on, everything changed. First, my workstation, a nice area with two large monitors, printer, and scanner was reduced to my kitchen table. There I had the luxury of no commute, but I was relegated to a small ten-inch laptop and none of the other accoutrements of my office. I realized that my breaks, often taken outside, had been taken for granted all these years. More importantly, I missed the social engagement of my colleagues and supervisor. School work was the least impacted by the pandemic. I was already working on my curriculum online so there was little impact. I did miss having the option to study in a public forum, as all public areas become vacant. I think the biggest change and challenge from the current two-month quarantine revolves around my family and friends. My husband and I use weekends and vacations to go to the lake, ride motorcycles, and meet friends for dinner. Birthdays and Easter rolled by without the usual gatherings and celebrations. Churches gathered online for services; a major shift from thousands of years establishing a place for worship. Social media played a larger part in my life, but there really is not a substitute for human interaction. There is an emotional gap that is lost when the interaction is two dimensional on the phone or computer via FaceTime and Zoom Meetings. I believe that much will change once things return to “normal”. It will be commonplace to see people wearing medical masks. Social distancing (staying six feet apart) will be marked in supermarkets and malls going forward. People, homes, cars, and offices will be cleaner on a daily basis. The most positive change, hopefully, will be the inclusion and follow up on our elderly friends, family, and neighbors. Many will have similar difficulties getting out, even after the quarantine is lifted. Our newfound awareness should impact all mankind, as we work harder to take care of one another. -
2020-04-14
Arizona Front Porch Project #7
Local photographers, inspired by other groups around the country, are offering families photo sessions from the safety of their own front porches. The Arizona Front Porch Photographers are offering a portion of the proceeds to local charities. -
2020-04-08
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Mask Distribution Drive
A one-time event where the tribe's Wassaja Memorial Health Center distributed surgical masks in the back-parking lot of the facility to community members to "flatten the curve of COVID-19 infection rates." #IndigenousStories -
2020-03-31
San Juan Southern Paiute Tribal President Addresses Community
Gives directions to tribal members based on CDC requirements. "If you feel sick, please call your local health centers." She also warns citizens to not fall prey to scammers looking for personal information and do all grocery shopping for elders in the tribe. -
2020-04-08
Hidden Market
Today, unlike a week ago, the air was very clean and light. During the day I discovered that I ran out of cleaner and some food. Instead of going shopping with my family or friends I go alone. Limiting trips to the store has become normal for my parents and friends. Although I knew most of the supplies were out at some of the local markets I decided to call one of my friends. Using my cell phone I called my friend Malakar. Both of us talked about how we were laid off recently and didn't have much to do. We both discussed about how Mexico wasn't dealing with the pandemic very seriously. The president of Mexico gave a speech to reassure the public and remarked how they should treat it as a common cold. I remarked that Mexico has less ventilators for the sick than any given state in the U.S. Both of us sighed. Then I shared what I inferred. "If this keeps going until the summer the people in Mexico might come here for help." My friend shared the sentiment but also added that our borders would close long before the summer starts. During the summer temperatures in Arizona reach over one hundred ten degrees. If there are any surfaces outside the virus would be burned from the sun. He changed the subject to how the governmental loan for the small restaurant businesses are going to be in effect for 4/13/2020. Both of us agreed that we will have some money coming in from that and how the restaurants must employ us for seventy five percent of our regular hours or the loans must be repaid. After discussing what the next week would look like I asked him about any local markets I could find cleaners. Most of the paper goods and cleaning supplies were out at the local Food City and Fry's. Fortunately one of my friends pointed out a Halal Grocery store that had some cleaners and good bread still. Traveling to this store there was very little traffic. Most of their pita bread was gone but they still had some toilet paper. Most of the employees wore face masks and kept their distance. Inside there was a deli that had an assortment of fresh meats. Most of the prepacked food was still there. This place gives out punch cards if you're a regular customer. Inside there is also a restaurant that can make gyros and other lunch foods for a fair price. Thank goodness that there are reliable places like this in these trying times. -
2020-03-14
Flying Home for Spring Break
Flying with my friend from Georgia to Arizona; not sure when we'll go back.