Pima County Partnering with DTP to Distribute Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Pima County Partnering with DTP to Distribute Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
DOWNTOWN TUCSON, AZ, June 22, 2020 – On June 19, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to enact a countywide public health protection resolution requiring the wearing of face coverings when in public if six feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
The Board took the action on the advice of the Back to Business Road to Recovery subcommittee, which is comprised of public health experts and physicians who specifically noted their concern about the recent local surge in positive COVID-19 cases. The rule is effective immediately and applies to everyone over age 5.
“This is not just about personal responsibility. This is community responsibility – our responsibility to others, especially the vulnerable who need us to do what is right to keep them safe,” said Board Chairman Ramón Valadez. “Wearing a mask is not a burden, it is a badge of honor that shows you are doing your part to try to stop the spread of this horrible disease and help save lives.”
With the understanding that some businesses may need support in acquiring non-medical PPE (face masks, sanitizer, and gloves) for employees until supply chains stabilize, Pima County and Downtown Tucson Partnership will begin distributing PPE to local businesses in the downtown Business Improvement District.
All businesses are encouraged to source and procure PPE on their own if they can. This distribution is intended to be a backstop and is only available to businesses with less than 50 employees.
To obtain a supply of non-medical PPE, businesses must complete a request form by June 25. Chief Sanitation Officer Russ Stone of the Downtown Tucson Partnership will pick up the orders from the County warehouse and deliver them directly to participating businesses.
This program is part of a larger partnership between Pima County and the Downtown Tucson Partnership, whereby the DTP acts as a liaison with businesses to facilitate a successful and safe reopening. Pima County’s work with DTP will provide a model to help the County replicate and improve the process for other areas.
For more information, visit DowntownTucson.org.