Following guidance from state and local health officials, the City of Apache Junction is following recommendations to curtail large gatherings and encourage social distancing by suspending some larger parks and recreation and library programs.

Pinal County has seen five cases of COVID-19, a new strain of coronavirus, all in one household.

As of March 17, the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department will temporarily halt senior programs, including congregate meals, which are held at the Apache Junction Multi-Generational Center, 1035 N. Idaho Road, according to a release.

The city will continue to supply meals to seniors on a “drive-through” basis and by delivery. The senior transportation program will be suspended; however, the federally funded transportation reimbursement program to help seniors get to critical appointments and shopping will still be in place. Seniors are encouraged to call or talk with center staff about their options.

Other city operations, including obtaining business licenses or building permits and paying a water-district bill, remain open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

Also as of March 17, all recreation programs and fitness programs at the Apache Junction Multi-Generational Center will be suspended through the end of the month.

The multi-generational  center and the Apache Junction Public Library will remain open at this time. The multi-generational center will remain open for members and drop-in daily users only.

The city’s Open Gym program remains scheduled to continue through March 20. The library will remain open, but reminds patrons that they can download eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, music and streaming videos 24/7 from the comfort of their homes at ajpl.org/digital-collections.

The city continues to reassess all its operations in consultation with Pinal County and state health officials.

Although library and parks staff have increased cleaning operations throughout facilities, visitors are reminded to wash their hands frequently and wipe down apparatus after use in facilities as able.

The city has had several measures in place as recommended by Pinal County Health Department and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC on March 15 recommended limiting gatherings of 50 people or more. The city had already suspended its two special events in March and the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce postponed the planned March 21 “Superstition Blues and Brews” festival in the city’s Flatiron Community Park. The music festival has been rescheduled for Oct. 11.

For more information on the senior and recreation programs, call 480-983-2181. For library information, call 480-474-8555 or go to ajpl.org.

City Council meetings

Also, in light of federal recommendations, the city reminds those who follow City Council actions during work and regular sessions that all council meetings can be viewed online at ajcity.net/livestream.

If you are a Mediacom cable TV subscriber, you can see the live cablecast of the meetings on channel 11. If you are a CenturyLink Prism subscriber, you can watch the live meeting cablecast on channel 8017. The city council usually holds work sessions on the first and third Monday of each month and regular meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The meetings start at 7 p.m.

COVID-19

The CDC says the rate of infection of this new coronavirus, COVID-19, is higher among older populations and those with underlying health issues, including heart and lung diseases and diabetes, the release states.

As always, health officials remind to take everyday preventive actions to stay healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.