COVID-19 News Round-up for April 7

Policy & Stimulus News 

Major Disaster Declaration Request Approved 

Governor Doug Ducey announced that President Donald Trump, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, approved Arizona’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the state. The declaration makes available additional federal assets and resources to aid Arizona’s COVID-19 response efforts. (Source: Office of the Governor) 

Governor’s Office Releases Essential Service Guidance 

Governor Doug Ducey’s office has released additional guidance to help businesses and residents understand the revised policies on essential services. (Source: Office of the Governor) 

Ariz. to Get $51M in Low-income HUD Assistance 

Arizona will get nearly $51M in Department of Housing and Urban Development funding to help low-income families and others hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal housing department is issuing $3B in total nationwide. (Source: AZCentral) 

Economic News 

Don’t Expect Phoenix Housing Market Crash 

A variety of experts on the Valley housing market predict that, while listings are up significantly over the past few weeks, the market’s unsatisfied and pent up demand will fuel a hefty rebound once the COVID-19 crisis has passed. (Source: AZCentral) 

Hotel Occupancy Plummets in March 

In what would normally be the busiest month of year, occupancy rates at Valley hotels plummeted to levels that rival the blazing middle of summer and its dearth of tourists. In Phoenix, hotel occupancy fell 71.6 percent from last year for the last week of March, tourism officials said. Scottsdale-area hotels and resorts saw occupancy decline by 53.7 percent for the month. (Source: AZCentral) 

COVID May Close Hospital 

Due to the cancelation of elective surgeries and other profitable activities, leaders at Santa Cruz Valley Regional Hospital south of Tucson say the facility may be forced to close and warn that other providers may have to follow suit if economic relief is not quickly forthcoming. (Source: AZCentral) 

Resources 

Valley Partnership Updates Resource List 

Valley Partnership has updated its Coronavirus Resources for Arizona Businesses Page. Check back frequently for the latest news and information. (Source: Valley Partnership) 

ACA Hosts First Business Aid Webinar 

The Arizona Commerce Authority hosted its first webinar in a series to help Arizona businesses navigate the financial and operational impacts of COVID-19. Materials and a session recording are available here. (Source: Arizona Commerce Authority) 

Updates from Snell & Wilmer 

Arizona State University researchers are evaluating Tempe wastewater for traces of COVID-19, which could serve as an early warning system of the virus’s spread in communities.   

Robert C. Bates and Anthony Eulano have provided a situational overview to advise businesses on the “ability to excuse performance under their existing commercial leases and other contracts.” (Source: Snell & Wilmer)