It's Tuesday, April 6.
Extension Approved For Arizona Tax Deadline
Arizona has officially extended its filing deadline for state income taxes. The state will now allow individuals to file tax returns until May 17 for the current year. Gov. Doug Ducey signed the newly amended bill into law on Monday, saying the decision matched that of the recently extended federal deadline. The Internal Revenue Service extended the traditional April 15 deadline to May 17, 2021, due to the pandemic.
State-Operated Vaccination Sites Surpass 1 Million Administered Doses
Arizona health officials say more than 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been distributed through state-operated sites. The state has opened five vaccination sites so far, including a newly launched indoor drive-thru site in Mesa. Gov. Doug Ducey’s office says the majority of the doses were distributed at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, which will move to the Gila River Arena in several weeks to avoid weather complications. State officials are planning to launch another mass vaccination site in Scottsdale’s WestWorld exhibit center — Ducey’s office says the prospective site can administer up to 10,000 shots per day.
Dewey-Humboldt Road Closure Slated After Weekend Accident
The Department of Transportation will close a northbound stretch of SR 69 south of Dewey-Humboldt this morning as the Department of Public Safety investigates the area. A vehicle accident occured in the area on Sunday, where four people suffered “life threatening” injuries, according to the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority. CAFMA officials say children were among the injured individuals and were flown to Phoenix-area trauma centers. Today’s closure will be in effect from 9 to 10 a.m.
Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinic On Tap For Yavapai-Apache Nation
The Yavapai-Apache Nation will hold a drive-thru clinic today to administer first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The Nation says it’s partnering with the Arizona National Guard and Cliff Casino Hotel Lodge to administer the shots in the lodge’s parking lot in Camp Verde. Tribal officials last month announced members of the nation could be eligible for a $100 gift card as a financial incentive to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. State data estimates 32.5% of Yavapai County has received a dose of vaccine so far. State data shows about 1% of vaccinated individuals in Yavapai County are American Indian or Native Alaskan, though ADHS data does not account for vaccinations through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Mayor Greg Mengarelli of nearby Prescott rescinded the city’s emergency proclamation last week amid decreasing cases and increasing vaccination rates.
Ducey Signs Law Barring Some Lawsuits In Pandemic
Gov. Doug Ducey on Monday signed legislation seeking to protect businesses from civil liability amid the COVID-19 pandemic.Senate Bill 1377 was sponsored by Republican State Sen. Vince Leach; the legislation received strong Republican support and notable opposition from Democratic lawmakers. The law states that a person or provider acting in “good faith,” cannot be held liable for damages unless strong evidence is presented. The new protection applies to educational districts, property managers, health professionals and religious institutions among other entities operating during the pandemic.
Officials Warn Against Fire Hazards After Prescott Valley Fire Quenched
The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority says a roadside fire was eliminated on Saturday in Prescott Valley. Officials reported the fire broke out along SR 89A at Glassford Hill Road, and that local bystanders had attempted to quench the fire. The authority says the fire was likely caused by a cigarette or dragging chain, and encouraged the public to prevent human-caused fires. The entirety of Arizona remains in an active drought.
Mohave County Sees Vaccination Progress, Remains Below State Average
Mohave County officials say the single-dose Johnson &Johnson vaccine will be distributed tomorrow morning at Lake Havasu City’s Northside Fire Station. Appointments are required to receive the dose; 250 slots are available for adults in the area. More than 23.3% of the county has been partially or fully vaccinated according to the department of health services, falling below the state’s overall vaccination rate of 32.3% of Arizona residents. Mohave County reported last week that nearly half its 65 and older age demographic has received a vaccine.