As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Arizona, the effects are being felt not only in healthcare, but schools, grocery stores and in our mental health too.
Data from the Arizona Department of Health Services shows highly populated counties like Maricopa County are where the majority of cases are being found right now.
While more rural counties have significantly fewer or even no cases as reported as of Tuesday, they're still facing issues related to COVID-19.
Steve Elowson, a Flagstaff resident, captured video of the mountain town showing empty scenes from places like Heritage Square, Downtown and empty streets.
"It's not life as normal for sure," Elowson said. "It should be filled with people, tourists, motels, hotels, empty parking lots – it’s kind of trippy”
With at least 18 reported cases in Coconino County as of Tuesday, Elowson said people are staying inside, while he's concerned for local businesses.
"I know a few owners of restaurants, they’re nervous they’re trying to keep it going with curbside take out stuff, but it’s a struggle," Elowson said.
Elowson added grocery stores are feeling the impacts just like many places across the state and country.
"It’s crazy to see empty shelves and things like that," Elowson said.
Southeast of Flagstaff, Mayor Tom Morrissey in Payson said his community is struggling too.
"None of us alive today have faced anything like this," Morrissey said. “We have people coming in buses from other parts of the state and out of state and coming in and just raiding the shelves.”
He said things like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, basic food, diapers and baby wipes are hard to come by.
"I wouldn’t mind if it was just to feed their families and keep their families safe. But we have people coming up and buying items like toilet paper and selling them for 10 times what they paid for them, and that is inexcusable," Morrissey said.
Morrissey said stores are working with the town to limit items as he focuses on keeping people calm.
"There’s no reason to panic," Morrissey said. "It’s just all timing now.”
