In conjunction with Gov. Doug Ducey’s guidelines for reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic, Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat has called for a phased plan to open city buildings, facilities and programs.

The city’s reopening plan begins Monday, May 18, with city hall and other city facilities opening to the public.

“Peoria families, businesses, and employees have made considerable sacrifices over the past few months and I am very proud of how our community stepped forward to accomplish what needed to be done to protect public health,” Mayor Carlat said in an news release. “As we begin reopening, the health and wellness of our community remains our number one priority; and we look forward to a successful phased approach where Peoria residents can once again enjoy the wonderful services our city offers, along with the added sensibilities learned through the pandemic.”

Through this extended facility closure, most city services have continued without interruption, including public safety, utilities, water, streets, planning and engineering, parks, and trails and customer service has been delivered online and on the phone.

The city of Peoria’s plan follows federal and state guidance and is divided into three phases. Some employee groups returned to work, May 11, to prepare for the opening on May 18. Facial masks and temperature checks are available to employees on a voluntary basis, and may be required in certain circumstances.

City public meetings will continue remotely and customer service will continue online and on the phone. In the event the governor’s executive order expires on May 15 without direction on park amenities, then the city park open play areas, tennis courts, pickleball courts, volleyball courts, dog parks, the skate park, playgrounds, and restrooms will open for groups less than 10 on Saturday, May 16.

On Monday, May 18, all city buildings, including the libraries and community center, will open with various limitations, including strict sanitation and social distancing protocols.

Phase Two, which is anticipated to begin as the governor’s reopening plan progresses, allows for further easing of restrictions with the opening of the municipal court and amenities like picnic facilities, splash pads and basketball gyms. Ramada rentals and field reservations will also resume. Opening of typical summer programming such as aquatics and camps will be delayed and evaluated upon further review of health trends and Arizona Department of Health Services data. Phase Three implementation and long-term programming will depend on subsequent announcements from ADHS and the governor as well as trending COVID-19 data. Should a second wave of increased COVID-19 cases occur, restrictions could be reintroduced and the city’s reopening plan paused.

Throughout all the phases, high standards of cleanliness, social distancing, personal hygiene, and health and safety polices will be in place and enforced. As the city’s plan rolls out, Peoria residents are also encouraged to continue practicing good hygiene and physical distancing and following the recommendations provided by ADHS and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more details about the city’s plan or more information about the governor’s orders and CDC guidance, visit www.peoriaaz.gov/covid19.