Gov. Doug Ducey said Arizona will reopen when it’s “safe to do so.”
At this time of the year in the Valley of the Sun, residents enjoy Arizona’s near-perfect weather with spring in full bloom.
With social distancing orders in place, however, residents in Tempe, Phoenix, and Scottsdale are staying indoors — leaving some of the Valley’s busiest areas eerily quiet.
At places like the Tempe Town Lake, crowds converge throughout the year for many big events, and residents spend a lot of time enjoying the outdoor recreation and ambiance.
But not right now.
There are very few people out due to the stay-at-home order in response to the COVID-19 outbreak — although some people are defying the order to protest reopening the economy despite healthcare and scientific advice to the contrary.
Despite protests, people in Tempe continue to socially isolate as they ride out this pandemic.
Hikers, on the other hand, continue to take to the trails despite encouragement to stay away for social distancing. Here are a few people at the popular attraction known as “Hole in the Park” at Papago Park.
The parking lot at Papago Park was full.
Like residents in Tempe though, Old Town Scottsdale residents are taking the stay-at-home measure seriously. This area is usually visibly busy with tourists and local shoppers to the point that it’s difficult to find a parking spot.
Normally, outside of the Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale, shoppers have to circle the parking lot to find one.
Now it’s almost empty.
One of the few pedestrians in the area wore a face mask.
In Downtown Phoenix, the streets, usually bustling with walking and biking pedestrians, concerts, sporting events, and regular shoppers, bar, and restaurant patrons, remain still.
The parking lots here are almost empty as well.
People have problems finding parking on a normal day, but not now.
Although times remain uncertain, social distancing is essential to flatten the curve.
Gov. Doug Ducey said Arizona will reopen its economy when it’s “safe to do so.”
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Alicia Barrón Alicia Barrón is a Reporter for Copper Courier and The Americano. She's from the border town of Nogales, Arizona and has worked in journalism for 20 years, starting at 3TV/azfamily. Most recently, she was a staff writer at Upworthy and BuzzFeed.
