Scottsdale Update - Oct. 13, 2020

If you are going out in public, you could be exposed or could be exposing others -- even if not showing symptoms. Stay home when you can, practice physical distancing, cover your nose and mouth and wash your hands frequently.

The difference between flu and COVID-19. Both influenza and COVID-19 will be circulating this fall and winter in Maricopa County. Both can cause similar symptoms such as fever, cough and body aches. Here are key differences:

• Symptoms: COVID-19 can sometimes cause people to suddenly lose their sense of smell or taste, while flu does not typically affect people’s sense of smell or taste.

• Mortality: We do not know how many people infected with COVID-19 die overall, but based on available information, it is likely between two and 10 times that of most flu strains.

• Vaccine: There’s no COVID-19 vaccine available at this time, though development and testing are in progress. Physical distancing, wearing masks, washing hands and practicing other preventive actions are our best way to avoid COVID-19. However, we can prevent the flu by getting vaccinated. We know the vaccine is safe. And if you do get the flu after getting the shot, it’s likely to be less severe and you are much less likely to be hospitalized or die.

Learn where to get your free flu vaccine at Maricopa.gov/flu.

Regardless of what is making you sick, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it’s important that you stay home to avoid exposing others.

Where to vote in Scottsdale. Early voting is underway in Maricopa County, and as the Nov. 3 General Election draws near, a number of voting centers in Scottsdale will open in phases between now and Election Day.

The first is Scottsdale Plaza Shopping Center,* 8029 E. Roosevelt St., which is open weekdays and some weekends – check days and hours of operation here. During open hours, you can vote onsite or drop off your voted early ballot at this location.

*Note: this is a small neighborhood strip mall on the southeast corner of Hayden Road and Roosevelt Street -- it is not near, nor affiliated with, Scottsdale Plaza Resort. 

The next voting center in Scottsdale does not open until Thursday, Oct. 22. Find a complete list of locations in or near Scottsdale at Scottsdale.Vote, or search the full Maricopa County list at Maricopa.Vote.

Voted early ballots can be dropped off between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Scottsdale City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. You cannot vote in person at Scottsdale City Hall – it is a drop-off location only.

There are no assigned voting locations. Choose any in the county that works with your schedule. Additionally, vote centers are open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Election Day.

Wear purple Oct. 22, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On average, an intimate partner physically abuses about 20 people per minute in the United States. This equates to more than 10 million women and men each year. Local assistance and resources can be found through the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic at 602-279-2980. Additionally, the city’s Victim Services Department offers help at 480-312-4226. No one needs to suffer alone.

Calling all veterans; help us celebrate your service. No matter when you served or where you served, we honor your service, your sacrifice and your dedication to the United States of America. The people of Scottsdale have a great admiration and the utmost gratitude for the men and women who selflessly served – and serve – this country. Submission deadline is Friday, Oct. 16. Share your story with us.

Why does the Census matter? It impacts us all! From roads to political representation to school lunch programs, an accurate count helps secure funding for programs Arizonans rely on. Deadline is Oct. 31. If you haven’t yet, please respond to the 2020 Census here.

Tennis registration is open for fall and winter sessions. Tennis lessons are still available for adults and seniors for late fall sessions at Scottsdale Ranch Park Tennis Center. In addition, the junior program, for those ages 7-17, spreads the love of tennis to a new generation. Registration is ongoing for late fall sessions and begins Nov. 30 for winter sessions. For registration or details, call the tennis centers: Scottsdale Ranch Park at 480-312-7774, or Indian School Park at 480-312-2740. You can also visit our website.

Library launches Bookmates Jr. This program offers a surprise selection of children’s books upon request. Patrons can fill out a brief form located in Pegasus, the virtual library, and staff will pull a selection of books to put on hold for you. This service helps individuals who may not be able to physically enjoy the library, but still want to receive great recommendations and reading materials.

New drone program assists with emergency situations. Scottsdale Fire Department recently deployed three small drones in various locations throughout Scottsdale. This aerial system, equipped with thermal imaging, gives public safety a distinct advantage when responding to various emergencies such as fire, hazmat and injured or missing hikers. Learn more.

Nominate a person or organization that embodies the Scottsdale spirit. Scottsdale’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission wants to showcase the people and organizations that embody the “Spirit of Scottsdale.” This award recognizes residents and organizations/businesses that help to strengthen and build Scottsdale’s community through their commitment to and involvement in neighborhoods. Fill out your nomination here by Dec. 31.

Scottsdale Sister Cities builds bridges of international understanding and goodwill. The nonprofits mission is accomplished through programs such as student, educational, cultural and economic development exchanges, which create long-term international partnerships. Learn about Scottsdale’s Sister Cities and upcoming programs.

Grow strong and healthy trees in the desert. Learn how to select, and where and when to plant your desert trees Watch this and other programs on Cox channel 11/1011(HD) and Century Link channel 8001. This program runs on at 3:30 and 8:30 a.m., and 12:30, 4:30, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Sundays; and at 4:30 and 9:30 a.m., and 1:30, 5:30, 8:30 and 11:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Watch it now. You can also check out our videos on YouTube.

Learn about traffic restrictions in and around Scottsdale. Get the list.