The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is being felt hard in Phoenix. Arizona Governor, Doug Ducey issued an executive order that residents should only leave home for essential functions. Already, thousands of residents across Maricopa County have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet and keep a roof over their heads. Homie, a real estate tech disruptor that … [More]
Hotel Company Offers COVID-19 Recovery Centers
As the COVID-19 foothold in the US grows, so does the need for medical facilities and hospitals. The rapidly growing demand for additional beds is not just for patients working on recovery, but for those choosing to self-quarantine as well as the healthcare professionals who are caring for them. Hotel Management Company, ZMC Hotels and their team created … [More]
City Promotes Social Distancing on Public Transit
Beginning Monday, April 13, seating on all bus routes is limited in order to support social distancing measures between passengers. These measures were approved by the Phoenix City Council on April 6 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and for the safety of all community members. Passenger limits will be as follows, with exceptions for wheelchair and mobility aid users as … [More]
200 Internet Hotspots for Students in Rural Communities Offered
Governor Doug Ducey today announced a Mobile Hotspot Donation Drive to help K-12 students without home internet access online curriculum during the COVID-19 emergency. The Drive is part of a partnership between the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and will match donated wireless internet hotspots to students in need. To kick the drive … [More]
Arizona Among Least Prepared for Hospital Capacity Nationally

One of the primary concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic is the capacity of healthcare systems to handle the growing number of cases. The CDC and other health organizations refer to this as flattening the curve. "The curve" is the total number of cases in a time period since the first case. If there are too many total cases in a short period of time, it can overwhelm healthcare … [More]
SAFETY: FDA Warns Company Marketing Dangerous Chlorine Dioxide Products that Claim to Treat or Prevent COVID-19
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning letter to a seller that markets fraudulent and dangerous chlorine dioxide products known as “Miracle Mineral Solution” for prevention and treatment of “Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19). The FDA has previously warned consumers not to purchase or drink chlorine dioxide products sold online as medical treatments, … [More]
How Arizona Workers Impacted by COVID-19 Access Unemployment Benefits
Recent state and federal actions have expanded eligibility and benefit amounts for Arizona workers impacted by COVID-19. On March 20, Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order, later followed by the signing of legislation, ensuring those who are out of work or facing a loss of hours because of COVID-19 have access to unemployment benefits. The order: Waived the one-week … [More]
Feds Give Nearly $10 Million for Meals for Low-Income Arizonans
Governor Doug Ducey today announced the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) was awarded $9.8M in funding from the federal government for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). TEFAP is a federally funded program that provides emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost to low-income individuals, including seniors. “At a time when many Arizonans are … [More]
Executive Order Signed to Establishing Virtual Notary Services
In partnership with Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order allowing Arizonans to get documents notarized remotely, while ensuring secure and effective verification processes. Currently, notaries and signers must complete the notarization process in person. Allowing notarizations to be securely completed virtually will support the … [More]
COVID-19 Impact on E-commerce

Three months into the COVID-19 crisis, the current situation has major effects on businesses and consumers. Although many online sellers face severe challenges in the current situation, they are optimistic that e-commerce will leave the crisis as a winner. The new necessity of ordering products online encourages those not shopping online to switch to online stores, while … [More]
VIDEO: Governor and Health Services Director Share COVID-19 Updates
Governor Doug Ducey, Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ, Arizona Department of Economic Security Director Tom Betlach and Local First Arizona Executive Director Kimber Lanning today held a briefing to share updates on COVID-19. The Governor discussed the state’s latest COVID-19 response efforts, including providing $2 million in funding for Goodwill … [More]
Hardship Presents Opportunity for Creativity
[Editor’s Note: In these times, we’ve been lucky to get submissions from around the country – even around the globe. We wanted to pass this one along to our readers. —RaeAnne Marsh] The massive disruption of our social and work lives is unnerving, but there are benefits to shaking up our routines and feeling uncomfortable, according to Scott Sonenshein and Jing Zhou, … [More]
FirstBank Announces Comprehensive Effort to Assist Customers, Employees and Communities During Coronavirus Crisis
FirstBank, one of the nation’s largest privately held banks with a focus on “banking for good,” today announced a comprehensive effort to help those impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic, including the launch of its customer assistance program, increased compensation for on-site employees, and continued support of Arizona Gives Day and its newly created Nonprofit Emergency … [More]
Workforce Alternatives: Don’t Stop at Stopgap Measures

COVID-19 has taken a toll on the workforce, with many employers considering furloughs, layoffs and workplace closures. While some employers may not be able to avoid permanent layoffs as a result of the pandemic, others are exploring temporary layoffs or other stopgap measures in the interest of keeping as many employees on the payroll as possible. Only 7 percent of companies … [More]
Packaging and Labeling Rules Relaxed for Local Restaurants
Governor Doug Ducey issued an Executive Order allowing Arizona restaurants to repackage and sell grocery items they have on hand, including items not normally packaged and labeled for resale. Governor Ducey’s order comes in the wake of the Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to provide temporary flexibility for nutrition labeling of packaged food. “Even with … [More]
Order Increases Restrictions for Certain Out-Of-State Travelers
In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order to increase quarantine guidelines for out-of-state travelers entering Arizona. Under the Executive Order, anyone who travels to Arizona from an area with substantial community spread through any airport in the state must isolate or quarantine themselves upon arrival for 14 … [More]
Arizona Expanding COVID-19 Data Gathering to Protect Public Health
Governor Doug Ducey issued an Executive Order expanding healthcare reporting requirements on hospitals and health care providers to better track data needed to protect health care workers and patients and help slow the spread of COVID-19. The additional data will include the number of ICU beds and ventilators in use for COVID-19 patients, the number of suspected COVID-19 … [More]
Governor Strengthening Protection in Residential and Nursing Healthcare Facilities
Governor Doug Ducey issued an Executive Order enhancing and reinforcing health protection in Arizona residential care institutions, nursing care institutions and related health care facilities. The order requires all staff to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing symptom checks for those entering the facility, offering electronic communication if … [More]












