With temperatures in the triple digits, it’s important that residents who are struggling to pay the bills know that there is utility assistance available that can help keep the air conditioning on. You may contact your utility directly, or find help through 211arizona.org or arizonatogether.org.
Excessive Heat
An excessive heat warning is in effect for much of this week. People should stay hydrated and limit their time outside.
Maricopa County’s daily COVID-19 data now includes information about race and ethnicity. However, it's important to note that this data does not represent the total picture in Maricopa County. Race is only known for about half of the county’s COVID-19 cases and ethnicity is only known for about two-thirds.
A Message for Those Under 45
People under the age of 45 should know that they are not immune from getting COVID-19. Those under 45 make up 40% of all cases in Maricopa County. While most of those cases are not serious and can be treated at home with rest and plenty of fluids, it’s important for younger, healthier adults to understand they can spread the virus to people at higher risk. Everyone, regardless of age, should continue to practice good hygiene and physical distancing and stay home to the extent possible.
Maricopa County continues to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of staff and inmates inside county jails. There have been no positive COVID-19 cases in the county jail system. As of today, 96 inmates have been tested. 86 have been confirmed negative. 10 inmates are in isolation pending the results of their tests. Zero tests have come back positive. Maricopa County Correctional Health Services (CHS) has been working closely with Public Health and in partnership with the Sheriff's Office to implement a comprehensive infection control strategy.
Proactive measures taken by CHS include:
There is daily monitoring of staff for fever and symptoms. Staff are sent home if any symptoms develop.
Any inmate entering a facility undergoes additional screening at the time of intake to determine the presence of fever, respiratory infection, recent travel, or contact with persons who are known to be infected with COVID-19.
Symptomatic inmates are being evaluated by a healthcare provider, placed in medical observation, and tested if their symptoms are consistent with COVID-19.
In the event an inmate has a positive screening test for COVID-19, they will be rapidly triaged and transported to a medical facility if necessary.
Inmates who are exposed to someone with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 are being placed in quarantine and monitored for symptoms.
Public Health
With select foods running low, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food assistance program added new food options to support those enrolled in the program.
All information requests related Maricopa County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic should be directed to the Joint Information Center using the email address caomedia@maricopa.gov.