This is your up-to-date resource page for all things related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Tucson, Arizona. We will do our best to update this content as often as possible to ensure accurate and timely information. As always, please consult a doctor or medical care professional with any concerns related to the Coronavirus or other illnesses.
To help you make plans, we have created this master page to keep you informed about opportunities for fun and education in our community.
It is important to understand and remember that while businesses and public and private places can be open, many local businesses may still choose to cancel events at their discretion. Please contact your planned destination ahead of time about current hours and any new policies that may be in effect.
Select Libraries are open with limited services.
City and county parks are open, but some splash pads, recreation centers, sports fields, and playgrounds remain closed at this time.
Golf courses are open.
Trails and RV Campgrounds remain open at Arizona State Parks. Parking may be limited and there may be temporary closures to limit the number of people on the trails.
Daycares are mostly open, but may be operating with limit capacities.
Some in-person Church Services have resumed. Some are still offering virtual services. Others are offering services, but with limited or no programs for children. Look to your church for their guidance and leadership. If you would like to watch or listen to a sermon online, you might consider tuning in to hear Robert Furrow (Calvary Tucson) or Eric Naus (Christ Community Church).
All businesses, essential and non-essential, can be open. Most businesses are approaching this situation with great care and concern for both their employees and their customers.
Restaurants are all responding differently, but most are offering takeout, delivery, and/or curbside pick-up. Call ahead to confirm if dine-in is an option.
Bookmans is open.
Both Barnes & Noble locations in Tucson are open.
Most thrift stores are open, including InJoy Thrift Store.
Reid Park Zoo and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum are both open, but advance reservations are required. Children's Museum Tucson is currently closed.
Since masks are currently mandated in Tucson for ages 5+, you may be wondering where to purchase face coverings locally.
Old Navy has face masks available in-store and online - 5 adults masks for $12.50 or 3 kids masks for $7.50.
Target has basic cloth masks for adults for $2 each or 2 for $4.
If you are 65 and over, you can also request free cloth masks from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
We have compiled a list of fun activities you can do with your kids (or give to your kids to use while you work remotely!). Whenever possible, we have included activities that can be done with one to five people. We have also included activities that take a long time (think: legos) to help fill your days with fun. Finally, we have added as many educational products and ideas as we can to maximize the learning while you are at home and to keep academic losses down during the summer months.
PLAY OUTSIDE
If you venture out, please keep these tips in mind:
- Stay six feet away from people not in your family group.
- Bring your own hand sanitizer, water, and snacks.
- Do not expect bathroom facilities or visitors' centers to be open.
- Enjoy the sun on your shoulders and the absolutely perfect weather.
GAMES
ACTIVITY KITS, BUILDING SETS, AND CRAFTS
READING, WRITING, AND 'RITHMATIC
FREE ACTIVITIES, MOVIES, AND GAMES TO DO AT HOME
Covid-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China.
The virus is “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes is “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).
On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern." On March 11, 2020 the World Heath Organization (WHO) publicly declared COVID-19 "a pandemic."
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, there have been 77,854 reported cases of Coronavirus in the Tucson area (link).
The first death related to COVID-19 in Tucson occurred on March 23, 2020. The individual was a woman in her 50s. (link)
Current Numbers*:
There are currently 584,593 reported cases in Arizona.
The Arizona Department of Health Services began testing for the COVID-19 on March 2.
*As reported by the CDC. (link)
9,741 people in Arizona have died due to COVID-19. The first individual, who died in Maricopa County on March 20, was a male in his 50s. (link) The second individual, who died in Maricopa County on March 22, was a male in his 70s. (link)
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
The below simple steps may help prevent illness.
If you or a loved one suspect Coronavirus, the CDC currently recommends that you "stay home, except to get medical care."
Rebecca Ruiz Hudman, Media Manager for Banner Health, had this to say, "Above all, we urge anyone who is ill with a fever, cough, or having trouble breathing to contact their health care provider to discuss your symptoms and determine if an in-person evaluation or testing is necessary. Ultimately, if you are sick, stay home- do not go out in public. Ill or not ill, we recommend everyone implement personal hygiene habits including washing your hands with soap and water frequently, coughing into a tissue or your elbow, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth."
Common sense, calmness, and compassion are urged in all circumstances.
Where can I get tested for Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Tucson?
There are numerous ways to make a difference for good in Tucson.
Questions about COVID-19? Call the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center at 1-800-222-1222 (they have been contracted to handle phone calls on COVID-19 on behalf of the Arizona Department of Health Services).
You may also want to call the Pima County Health Department for updates: 520-626-6016.
*Last updated on January 7, 2021.