The delta variant of COVID is very serious, and as we have throughout this process, we abide by CDC guidelines.
It has been a rather tumultuous couple of months for our mountain town, from the Rafael Fire that had many of our community members set to evacuate, to the Museum Fire floods, which caused more than $5 million in public infrastructure and private property damage. Through it all though, I have seen how we have come together in times of need. Neighbors helping neighbors to rake needles and other fire fuels away from yards in the midst of wildfire, and then right after that threat ended, filling sand bags and clearing debris from the flooding. I want to thank the hundreds, if not thousands, of volunteers who came to help, and a big shout-out to United Way of Northern Arizona for organizing volunteer efforts and ensuring everyone was safe, hydrated, and set to go.
I also need to acknowledge all of the hard work, long hours and commitment that our city and county staff have shown through these moments of crisis. From top to bottom, everyone worked their tails off, putting in not just time on the clock, but many staff volunteered to help after hours with sandbags. In total, the city and county transported nearly 4,000 tons of debris from the flood areas. We are working on long-term solutions for this issue between government agencies and are lobbying for funds right now to see long-term solutions through. I don’t want this to be a recurring theme every summer, no matter how proud I am of our community’s response.
Everyone, if you have not already, please sign up for emergency alerts from Coconino County to ensure you get information right away if flooding, fire or any other major safety issue arises. It can be found here: coconino.az.gov/2612/Emergency-Notification-System.
On July 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the masking guidelines for vaccinated individuals, particularly because of the delta variant of COVID that is sweeping through the nation. In a recent study in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 75% of COVID-19 cases occurred in fully vaccinated individuals. Most of these individuals did not have any symptoms or were very mild because they were vaccinated. But it is clear now that the new mutation is still transmissible, even if vaccinated and asymptomatic. It poses a large risk to those who cannot be vaccinated because of age or other medical conditions, and Coconino County has risen to the “Substantial” level of transmission.
In light of the rising cases and the new guidelines, I spoke with City Manager Greg Clifton and it was decided that masks will be required again in all public facilities even if vaccinated, including Jay Lively, the Aquaplex, libraries, Joe C. Montoya Center and City Hall. The delta variant of COVID is very serious, and as we have throughout this process, we abide by CDC guidelines. So, please mask up, get vaccinated to protect yourself and let’s get the “Substantial” level of transmission down so we can reverse this decision of needing masks in city facilities.
Please stay safe out there everyone, and let’s continue to help our neighbors through this time. FBN
By Paul Deasy, FBN
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Paul Deasy is the mayor of Flagstaff.
