ARIZONA 360

Episode 312

Arizona 360 continues to explore the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on Southern Arizona, as well as how leaders are responding. ECONOMIC IMPACTS: As businesses affected by restrictions face financial hardships, Lorraine Rivera speaks to Tucson Metro Chamber president Amber Smith about those challenges and the availability of resources to assist employers and workers. 4th Avenue Merchants Association executive director Fred Ronstadt also discusses how businesses in the area are coping. SCHOOL CLOSURES: With schools remaining closed through April 10, Pima County Superintendent of Schools Dustin Williams discusses how districts are assessing the needs of their students and barriers some households face with access to digital learning. Despite closing its campuses and cafeterias, Arizona 360 also sees how the Tucson Unified School District is continuing to provide breakfast and lunch to its students. PHSYSICAL DISTANCING & MENTAL HEALTH: University of Arizona psychology professor David Sbarra explains how physical distancing can affect our mental well-being, and ways to address feelings of anxiety and loneliness during the pandemic. Lorraine Rivera also checks in with World War 2 veteran Ralph Stines about how the Tucsonan is practicing social distancing at home while communicating regularly with loved ones through online video conferencing programs.