In the midst of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, several East Valley resources are open to those in need of food, medical care and childcare. Local residents are asked to actively monitor COVID-19 updates provided by county and school websites and follow recommended national guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Doug Ducey announced a statewide closure of Arizona school through March 27, 2020. Extended school closures can create hardship for families, including those on the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. We have listed where to find information on school-specific questions for Mesa, Queen Creek, Chandler and Gilbert below, plus childcare options through the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley.
As this is a challenging time for our community, we will continue to provide the latest on pertinent information for our residents.
National information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
Maricopa County
Many resources are available to the public on the Maricopa County website, including Healthcare Provider Guidance, Older Adults, Schools, Universities, Child Care Centers and more.
Maricopa County’s Coronavirus page: https://www.maricopa.gov/5460/Coronavirus-Disease-2019 Maricopa County Healthcare Provider Guidance: https://www.maricopa.gov/5491/Healthcare-Provider-Guidance
Maricopa County Department of Public Health: Mon. – Friday, call (602) 506-6767 and ask for a Surveillance Nurse or after 5 p.m. on weekends — call (602) 747-7111 and ask for the Provider On-Call.
General Maricopa County Questions: Call toll-free 844-542-8201.
Mesa Public Schools:
The Mesa Public School District will be providing weekday meals to students on the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.
Emergency sack lunches will be available for pick up at all district elementary schools on Monday and Tuesday, March 16 and 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for all children ages 18 and younger, including junior high and high school students. They are developing a more comprehensive breakfast and lunch distribution plan to go into effect later this week.
School offices will be open during regular hours on March 16 and 17 so families can pick up their child’s critical personal items, such as medication. Playgrounds and other outdoor spaces will not be available for use.
List of Mesa elementary schools: http://www.mpsaz.org/schools/elementary.
The website mpsaz.org/beprepared provides additional details and will be updated for additional communication throughout the closure about learning resources and other critical services. The district will provide frequent updates with information and resources via email, text messages, the district website and social media channels.
MPS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mpsaz/
United Food Bank in Mesa provides vital food assistance throughout the East Valley and Eastern Arizona. They are located at 245 S. Nina Drive, Mesa. Phone: (480) 926-4897.
COVID-19 Update: https://unitedfoodbank.org/2020/03/covid-19-update/
Queen Creek Unified School District
The Queen Creek Unified School District will be sending frequent updates with information and resources via email, text messages, the website and social media channels.
Community Message: https://www.qcusd.org/news#communitymessagemarch15
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/qcusd/
Chandler Unified School District
Official information will be shared through CUSD email and on the district website at https://www.cusd80.com/.
COVID-19 update: https://www.cusd80.com/COVID19
Gilbert Public Schools
Communication will be provided on their website athttps://www.gilbertschools.net/, text and email.
COVID-19 Update: https://www.gilbertschools.net/alerts
List of Family Resources that includes Boys and Girls Clubs from AZ Family.
Boys & Girls Clubs
Local Boys & Girls Clubs provide resources that can help parents who must go to work. Some costs are offset by the state. Locations: https://www.clubzona.org/our_locations_hours.html.
East Valley Boys and Girls Clubs, 2602 W. Baseline Rd., Suite #25, Mesa, Phone: (480) 820-3688. Email: Info@Clubzona.org
YMCA is extending Spring Break Camp: https://valleyymca.org/spring-break-camp/
Other Phoenix-area school districts offering food, via AZ Family: https://www.azfamily.com/news/list-phoenix-area-schools-offering-food-during-coronavirus-outbreak-closures/article_dc7f0a80-66f3-11ea-891b-bb601c29e861.html
We urge all East Valley residents to stay healthy and cautious during this challenging time.
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