WEEKLY UPDATE: MAY 1

Maricopa County remains under the official declaration of a local emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the State of Arizona is under a “Stay Home” order until May 15, 2020.  The Maricopa County Joint Information Center (JIC) is compiling a weekly list of resources for County residents to manage the physical, economic, social and emotional impacts of this declaration.  Residents are encouraged to visit maricopa.gov/COVID-19 for the most up-to-date information.

“Stay Home” Order Extended

Governor Ducey extended the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” order through May 15, but modified it so that some businesses can open earlier.  Read the order, along with new guidance for retailers and customers, then learn steps you can take to protect yourself and others.

Testing

If you are considering getting tested for COVID-19, you should know the difference between the two main types of tests.

• Diagnostic tests (usually PCR) help medical providers determine whether a person has evidence of active infection.  It is the most accurate test available.
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• Antibody tests, also known as serology tests, look for the presence of antibodies that are made by the body and indicate a recent or past infection; antibody tests are not as helpful for diagnosing active infections.  
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Updated COVID-19 Symptoms

The CDC has updated its list of symptoms related to COVID-19.  If you do have COVID-19 symptoms, Public Health has guidance on when to seek medical attention.

Families and Long-Term Care Facilities

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a new rule that long-term care facilities must inform residents, along with residents’ families and representatives, of COVID-19 cases in their facilities. Individuals who have questions about facilities where their loved ones reside are encouraged to contact the facility.

Not sure what to ask? AARP has a list of 6 questions to ask if your loved one is in a long-term care facility.

Job Assistance

If you’re looking for a new job or considering a career change, the Maricopa County Human Services Department may be able to help.  You can get started here, or explore other resources at arizonatogether.org, findhelpphx.org, or pipelineaz.com.

Pets and COVID-19

It’s extremely unlikely your pet will get COVID-19 and there’s no evidence pets can spread the virus to people.  However, there are some precautions you can and should take if you have COVID-19 or suspect you might have it. 

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Heat Relief

The Maricopa Association of Government has activated its heat relief network.  This network provides hydration and cooling stations for those in need.

Find a hydration or cooling station >

Get more heat safety resources >

County Operations Impact

Customers are encouraged to conduct business online whenever possible.  See a complete list of county services impacted.

Public Inquiries

Members of the public can get the latest information on the county response to COVID-19 by visiting maricopa.gov/COVID19. You may also want to follow Maricopa County and Maricopa County Public Health on social media.  There are updates available in both English and Spanish.

For community partners looking to share approved messaging to help stop the spread, we have a COVID-19 Communications Toolkit.  There are multi-language flyers, FAQs related to the virus, and downloadable graphics designed to share on social media.