Town of Oro Valley COVID-19 response and update
Published on March 12, 2020
Out of an abundance of caution, the Town of Oro Valley is taking steps to minimize the potential for community spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). These efforts will be in place through April 1, 2020 during which time Town officials, in partnership with the Pima County Health Department and Arizona Department of Health Services, will continue to reassess the situation and monitor daily developments.
Event cancellations
The following Town-managed events have been cancelled:
- Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch (March 13) CANCELED
- Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch (March 14) CANCELED
- Public Art Tour (March 17) CANCELED
- Bike. Swap. Sell. (March 28) CANCELED
Please note that there are other special events that take place in Oro Valley but are not managed by Town officials. Many events are organized by private groups, and those groups currently have the choice of whether or not to cancel an event. An example of this is the Heirloom Farmers Market held every Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch. The Heirloom event organizers have determined at this time to continue with their weekly farmers markets. Questions about non-Town events like this should be directed to the organization managing that particular event.
Town of Oro Valley public meetings
Both the March 18 and April 1 Town Council meetings will proceed as planned; however, in-person attendance will not be allowed. Resident participation will be limited to online video streaming of the meeting at www.orovalleyaz.gov. Town officials are currently working out details to allow for web-based public input during these meetings. Information will be released once finalized. The March 19 Stormwater Utility Commission meeting has been canceled.
- Town Council Meeting (March 18) ONLINE ONLY
- Stormwater Utility Commission Meeting (March 19) CANCELED
- Town Council Meeting (April 1) ONLINE ONLY
Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center – OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center, as well as other facilities such as the Oro Valley Aquatic Center, El Conquistador Golf and Overlook Restaurant, will remain open with regular business hours at this time. Due to present circumstances, staff is taking extra precautions by scheduling additional cleanings and ensuring soap, towels and hand sanitizer are well stocked. Patrons should be mindful that the best methods to reduce the risk of getting sick or spreading COVID-19 are the same measures as preventing seasonal colds or the flu, such as:
- Please stay home if you are sick (or don’t feel well)
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Transportation services
The Town will continue to provide transportation services through its Sun Shuttle Dial-A-Ride program. Staff is taking extra measures to ensure vehicles are thoroughly cleaned. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and are needing transportation to a medical facility, please call 520-229-4990 in advance so drivers can make special arrangements to meet your needs while minimizing exposure to other passengers and employees.
Cancellations and refunds
Under the current circumstances, the Town understands that some individuals may prefer to practice social distancing and no longer wish to participate in public classes or programs. Anyone wishing to cancel a current facility reservation or program registration occurring within the next 30 days (through April 11, 2020), may do so with a full refund and no cancellation fee.
Making payments
To minimize the risk of community spread, and to help protect Town employees, online payments (instead of in-person payments) are strongly encouraged, when possible. For information on how to make online payments to the Town of Oro Valley and the Oro Valley Water Utility, visit www.orovalleyaz.gov and click “Online Services” in the upper right-hand corner.
Next steps
“We understand that this is a time of uncertainty for the community and for our families and loved ones. The Town is committed to following best practices and recommendations that will help minimize the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus, while also assuring the community that the Town of Oro Valley remains open for business to provide municipal services,” said Town Manager Mary Jacobs. “During this challenging time, we ask that everyone remain calm and respectful toward one another as we navigate this situation together.”
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, the Town of Oro Valley will continue to follow the guidance of Pima County Public Health Department, Arizona Department of Health Services and the CDC. Residents are encouraged to consult these expert sources for updates.
To stay informed about any future updates regarding Town services, programs or facilities, be sure to follow the Town of Oro Valley on Facebook and Twitter, sign up for email notifications or visit us at www.orovalleyaz.gov. In the meantime, any questions or comments can be directed to Ask Oro Valley: