COVID-19 Weekly County Update

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District 2 COVID-19 Update

covid19

luke air force fly over

 

Our Maricopa County skies were graced Friday afternoon with a formation of 15 military aircraft - 14 jets and one refueling plane from Luke Air Force Base. This was a tribute to health care workers, first responders and other personnel on the front lines of the battle against coronavirus in Arizona. We thank the 56th Fighter Wing, the 944th Fighter Wing, and the Arizona Air National Guard 161st Air Refueling Wing for honoring Arizona’s front line COVID-19 responders with a community flyover.


Updated Guidance for AZ Retail Businesses & Dine-in Restaurants

Under Governor Ducey's Executive order, retail businesses currently not operating can begin curbside pick-up on May 4, followed by expanded in-person operations by May 8 as long as businesses implement social distancing and sanitation measures established by the United States Department of Labor or the Arizona Department of Health Services. Guidelines for retail businesses and customers found here.

The Governor announced that on May 11th dine-in services will be allowed in the restaurant industry. Re-opening and social distancing guidelines will be outlined next week. Read the press release here.


Testing

covid19 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. Watch the video >

diagnostic testing

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.

Watch the video >

antibody testing

As a reminder, Governor Doug Ducey announced that the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and healthcare partners across the state are joining forces to launch the Arizona Testing Blitz with the goal of increasing COVID-19 testing statewide. The Arizona Testing Blitz aims to test 10,000-20,000 Arizonans for COVID-19 every Saturday for three consecutive weeks, beginning Saturday, May 2, 2020 and ending on Saturday, May 16, 2020. For locations go here.

As a result, there will likely be an uptick in positive cases.  Our Maricopa County Public Health Department explains here.


AmSafe Donates Surgical Gowns

AmSafe Video

View the Video >

A company that typically makes airbags for aircraft is now making personal protective equipment (PPE) for our community.  AmSafe donated 2,500 surgical gowns to Maricopa County Unified Command. The gowns will be given to long-term care facilities to keep staff safe as they treat COVID-19 patients.  The donation comes at a critical time, as supply had been dwindling. Read the Press Release >

Residents of long-term care facilities (including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation facilities, and hospice facilities) are at the highest risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection because they live in a communal setting and tend to be older with chronic medical conditions.  That is why Maricopa County has prioritized getting PPE (like surgical gowns) to these facilities. 


Heat Resources

heat

 

The month of May comes with higher temperatures. The Maricopa Association of Government’s heat relief network provides hydration and cooling stations for those in need. Find a hydration or cooling station here.


Maricopa County Parks

WILDFLOWERS

 

The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department realizes that the community is seeking outdoor recreation opportunities where they can walk, hike, run, and bike while practicing safe social-distancing.

With the weather hot and getting hotter, your best bet for visiting parks is earlier in the day or later in the evening.  You should know that the hours for Maricopa County’s parks have changed from 5 am to 8 pm, seven days a week.

This change impacts:  

  • Cave Creek Regional Park
  • Estrella Mountain Regional Park
  • McDowell Mountain Regional Park
  • San Tan Mountain Regional Park
  • Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
  • Usery Mountain Regional Park
  • White Tank Mountain Regional Park

More information >


Pipeline AZ

pipeline az

It can be daunting to try to find a new job or even change careers during these uncertain times.  There are a number of resources that can help get you started, including Pipeline AZ, which can match workers with employers who are currently hiring.

Learn more >


Find Out What's Happening in your District

planning and zoning

 

Register online to receive updates on planning and zoning cases in your neighborhood. You can sign up as an individual or register as a special interest group (e.g., HOA, club or other organization).   You will receive notifications of zoning cases in unincorporated Maricopa County within the area you designate. Sign up here.

 



Sincerely,
Steve Chucri, District 2
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
www.maricopa.gov/steve
602-506-7431

TRUSTED SOURCES:

Nationally: CDC

State: ADHS

Locally: Maricopa County Public Health

QUESTIONS:

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.