As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 health emergency, it's more important than ever for people to check in on neighbors as social distancing and quarantining have us all a little further apart than normal.
The Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) launched #PHXGreaterTogether to showcase ideas on how to keep your communities close while social distancing with distant socializing. As the campaign begins it fifth week of featured ideas from the NSD team, neighborhood groups across Phoenix have been sharing stories on social media and in emails on combatting social isolation while continuing to #StoptheSpread COVID-19 (coronavirus).
“We've never experienced anything like this before. And it's really hard but during this uncertain time, don't forget to check on your neighbors. It is such a delicate balance to socially distance, while also supporting each other to ensure we all have what we need both physically and emotionally," NSD Director Spencer Self said.
Social distancing and self-quarantining are challenging, but by thoughtfully planning your interactions, you can provide food, necessities and a regular check-in to members of your neighborhood from young to old. Social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Maintaining connections with other people is crucial at this time.
Phoenix's NSD is promoting ways to responsibly practice 'distant socializing' that adhere to CDC recommendations of distance while making sure that people check in on their neighbors, share what they can in supplies and spread kindness without spreading the virus.
Health experts encourage being outdoors with proper social distancing to maintain both physical and mental health. In the Grandview Neighborhood, neighborhood leaders are encouraging neighbors to get out of their houses and go for a walk with their Window Art Gallery. Neighbors young and old are displaying themed art each week on the street facing windows of their homes.
As kitchens have turned into classrooms across Phoenix, making sure children stay connected and make memories safely was the focus of the Norton Visa Neighborhood Association this past weekend. The neighbors made a mobile prom float that traveled through the neighborhood making sure students missing their proms because of COVID-19 had the memory keepsake with a Photos Under the Stars photobooth.
Experts in the mental health industry continue to stress the importance of structure and maintaining schedules to minimize anxiety during the pandemic. The Woodlea Melrose Neighborhood group made sure that their regularly scheduled neighborhood meetings were not forgotten with social distancing. The group made
their monthly meeting a video​ that was posted to report out to neighbors the same way they would at the usual in-person neighborhood meetings. It included fun events from the suggested social distancing activities like ‘Chalk Your Walk’ to services updates from city employees about the impacts to services and how the city is addressing needs.
“The #PHXGreaterTogether social media posts will continue to showcase the successes of our strong neighborhoods," Self said. “We hope people follow along on the NSD Facebook page, @PhxNeighborhood, so we can make sure all residents in Phoenix have what they need in these uncertain times."
