The country, state and town are entering a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some restrictions loosening in recent days.

Here in town, both the Community Center and Town Hall are opening their doors to the public, though with some lingering limits to activities and operations. Our 1A coverage offers more details, including the procedures that remain in place for the time being.

As for local schools, students were allowed to return for in-person classes this week, while many have chosen to remain online through the continuing pandemic. Athletics are also up and running with plans to begin competitions in the coming weeks.

What hasn’t changed, though, is the need for continued vigilance. Events are still limited in the number of participants, it is still required that we wear a mask in public spaces and social distancing is still encouraged.

Why? Well, as of this writing, here in Fountain Hills, another five cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the past 48 hours. As for Maricopa County, another 728 cases were reported in the past day with 41 new deaths. These numbers aren’t meant to frighten, but rather to serve as a reminder that we’re not out of the woods yet and that this community is only as safe as the actions of its residents.

It’s understandable that people are exhausted by this pandemic and frustrated with restrictions, but no disease has ever been bested because folks decided they were simply tired of dealing with it. There’s more work to be done, and we encourage everyone to take care of themselves and their neighbors as we move into this new phase.