County, UA announce stay-at-home recommendations
Sep 15, 2020
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Read More NewsTo further combat the increase in positive COVID-19 cases around the University of Arizona campus, Pima County Health Department (PCHD) and UArizona officials have issued a shelter-in-place self-quarantine recommendation for students living on and near campus until September 29, 2020. The order, announced on September 14, 2020, strongly encourages students to only leave their home to attend essential classes as defined by UArizona, attend work, care for family members, or to obtain food, medical care and medications. Students may also engage in outdoor exercise or access the Student Recreation Center but, only when social distancing is possible.
“This increase in cases has the potential to have a very negative impact, not just on the students and those on campus, but also the
rest of this community,” said Dr. Theresa Cullen, Pima County Health Department Director. “We know that college campuses are not islands. Students and the rest of the public come in contact every day, especially in the popular areas around downtown.”
Students living on campus or within the geographic areas between 6th Avenue to the West, Campbell Avenue to the East, 10th Street to the South, and Helen Street to the North are advised to use home delivery services for groceries, food and other goods they may need in order to limit their exposure to others. Off-campus housing providers are encouraged to provide isolation housing for any residents who test positive for COVID-19. Students who test positive who live within this area will also be offered the option of staying in isolation dormitories on campus.
Apartment buildings with more than ten residents within the geographic area where the majority of residents are students are also directed to close pools and spas, recreation, game and/or fitness rooms or gyms, and prohibit gatherings of more than 10 individuals. Self-quarantine is also recommended for students living in sorority or fraternity houses on or near campus where more than 10 percent of residents test positive for COVID-19.
“We are working incredibly close with leadership from the UArizona, the off-campus housing providers in the areas around campus, and the Greek housing community to protect their residents, staff, and the public,” said Dr. Cullen. “The ultimate goal for all of us is to slow the spread amongst these students and prevent a surge in cases County wide as we see cases continue to decline otherwise. We need students to do their part and take this opportunity to stop the spread.”
Sustained transmission beyond the 14-day period may result in an extension of the recommended time and additional limitations. More details on the recommendation are available at www.pima.gov/backtoschool