The Impact Of COVID-19 In Arizona: 6 Months In

By KJZZ News
Published: Friday, September 18, 2020 - 3:26pm
Updated: Tuesday, October 6, 2020 - 10:37am

Sept. 21-25, 2020
 by Kendal Blust, Victor Calderón, Katherine Davis-Young, Bridget Dowd, Ron Dungan, Christina Estes, Nicholas Gerbis, Tom Maxedon, Heather van Blokland, Murphy Woodhouse

It's been more than six months since COVID-19 caused widespread upheaval in Arizona. There are now more than 200,000 confirmed cases and there have been more than 5,000 coronavirus-related deaths. Here are the stories of the massive impact the pandemic has had statewide.

BUSINESS
Turbulence At Sky Harbor
It’s been a turbulent year for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This is a check on the current conditions and the future expectations of the airport. Aired Sept. 21
 
HEALTH
How The Virus Spread
Arizona’s summer spike in COVID-19 cases came shortly after the stay-at-home order ended, but why was our state’s surge so much worse than in other states that reopened? Aired Sept. 21
 
BUSINESS
Yuma Farms Dump Crops
The COVID-19 pandemic led to industry shutdowns that spoiled the market for commercial fresh produce. Farmers in Yuma say they had to destroy acres of lettuce, some already packaged for shipping. Aired Sept. 22
 
HEALTH
The Toll On Mental Health
From social isolation to the lasting impacts of contracting COVID-19, we take a look at how the pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of Arizonans over the past several months. Aired Sept. 22
 
BUSINESS
Cardboard Is A Hot Commodity
For a lot of us, staying home means buying in bulk — and all that stuff is delivered in boxes. How purchasing during the pandemic has been a boon to the cardboard box. Aired Sept. 23
 
AROUND THE STATE
Life In Rural Arizona
Rural Arizona is a great place to social distance, but it has not been immune to the virus. This is a look at some of the challenges that rural communities have faced. Aired Sept. 23
 

SCIENCE
Essential Workers
The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered businesses and sparked a wave of working remotely. But for scientists who work with living creatures, working from home isn’t an option. Aired Sept. 24
 
FRONTERAS
Schools South Of The Border
Like parents, teachers and students everywhere, many people are struggling to adapt to distance learning in Mexico, where going to class now means watching TV — for those who have access to one. Aired Sept. 24
 
ARTS + CULTURE
Impact On The Arts
Musicians, authors, filmmakers, artists, actors, even puppeteers have struggled to keep their creative spirit alive amid the coronavirus pandemic. Find out how they are still trying to reach audiences. Aired Sept. 25
 
FRONTERAS
Life On The Border
Heavy restrictions on border crossings have now been in place for more than six months. What has that meant for places like Ambos Nogales, where crossing is a critical part of daily life? Aired Sept. 25
 
Coronavirus Science