For nearly four years now I have enjoyed covering the city of Peoria, where new things are popping up all the time and growth supplies much to write about.
But as our world has come to a practical halt due to the coronavirus, so too has much of the activity in Peoria.
And I have to say, probably the most striking moment I’ve experienced so far in covering this city was the March 24 city council meeting.
Due to rules imposed to stop the spread of COVID-19, all city council meetings must be watched remotely via the city’s Facebook or YouTube pages. This will hold true for future city council meetings until further notice.
As I streamed that meeting, the wide shot of the council chamber told a stark tale — the lone Mayor Cathy Carlat at the dais, and only a few staff members.
The city hall chamber is a room where people come to share their grievances and praises, a room where policy and ordinances are crafted for a better city. It is at the heart of democracy. All that has gone empty, along with many other buildings across Peoria, the Valley and our country.
It was my “things just got real moment.” Well, so was when on March 6 they canceled the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas — but that can be the subject for a different commentary.
The visual of an empty city hall chamber was a snapshot of our day and age, a foreshadowing of our future if we all do not take precautions to stop the growth of COVID-19.
Adhering to social distancing rules, other council members could have physically attended meetings, they would just need to be at least six feet apart. But the council as a whole decided in advance to lead by example to ensure the city continues to do all it can to encourage social distancing, in the interest of public health.
Social distancing is the practice of deliberately increasing the physical space between you and other people. Officials recommend staying at least six feet away from others and avoiding groups of 10 or more. This lessens the chance of catching COVID-19 and decreases the risk of overwhelming the medical system.
But Peter Fine, president and CEO of Phoenix-based Banner Health, says people aren’t practicing social distancing enough.
And he may be right as Peoria Independent confirmed reports of groups and families gathering in Peoria parks on Easter Sunday, including a pick-up flag football game played at Pioneer Park.
There have been more than 4,500 coronavirus cases state-wide and nearly 170 deaths. About 2,400 of those cases are in Maricopa County. This expansion has been on an upward curve since health officials began recording cases.
The Arizona Department of Health Services has listed the disease as widespread and the community risk as increasing with some areas of heightened risk.
One reason the coronavirus has become so widespread in Arizona is because people aren’t practicing social distancing, Mr. Fine said.
“We have not done that and it’s part of the reason our country has this problem. It’s true in Arizona, and we should have started earlier,” he said. “Social distancing is the real issue. Bottom line, number one, stay away from people. Don’t congregate. If have to go to the store, go do it. But don’t hang out in groups. This is a serious virus and we need to treat it that way. We’ve never seen a virus like this. Don’t go to a health care facility unless you need to. Don’t cough into your hand and stay away from the public.”
No doubt, we live in unprecedented times. To do my part I have now been working from home for more than a month. Indeed, I have been lonely. Thank god for the companionship of my wife. But I miss the human interaction that I took for granted before this pandemic entered our lives. And I certainly miss hanging out with my friends and family. I know it’s odd, but in the time of COVID-19, if you are feeling lonely and isolated, you are probably doing something right. These are tough times, but practicing social distancing is the best way to not only ensure your safety but the safety of others. And if that means a few months (hopefully) of empty buildings and flying solo, trust me, it’s worth it.
Editor’s note: Philip Haldiman is the News Editor for the Peoria Independent.
Philip Haldiman is a third generation Arizona native with brief residencies on the east and west coasts.
He has bachelor’s degrees in Theater and Journalism at Arizona State University, and is an award winning journalist with more than 15 years worth of experience in reporting and editing.
Most recently, he took first place for investigative reporting and third place for best sustained coverage or series at the 2023 Arizona Newspapers Association awards.
In his free time, he produces an autobiographical comic book about his time spent in Hollywood and his life as a cult film star.
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