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With more businesses reopening and more people going back into the workplace, we want to remind you to look to trusted sources of information. The CDC has information for employers and critical information for grocery and food retail workers. The Governor’s Office and Arizona Department of Health Services have specific guidance for retailers, salons, and restaurants. Maricopa County Public Health has an entire resource page for businesses that includes information about reopening. Remember, be smart and stay safe.
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Maricopa County will not require pre-inspections for restaurants resuming dine-in services, but will continue to conduct routine inspections to protect public health. The Arizona Department of Health Services has issued expanded guidance for restaurants resuming dine-in service. Meanwhile, the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department has compiled resources for food establishments to comply with both the Governor’s orders and the food code.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (Supervisor Gates and I participated telephonically) accepted federal coronavirus funding last week. Expenditures so far include purchasing personal protective equipment, hiring extra medical personnel, and mitigating the spread of disease among vulnerable populations. Read more here.
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Today is the final day of National Nurses Week, but I urge you to recognize and honor their efforts year-round. Here in Maricopa County, nurses are doing important, life-saving work. Some of them are Maricopa County employees. They work in clinics, offices, jails, homeless shelters, and even in the homes of clients. They provide direct care, consultation and support, training, and case management. As part of the COVID-19 response, some are involved in disease investigation. These health care professionals at Public Health and Correctional Health Services are making individuals, families, and our entire community safer and healthier.
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With more testing being done, public health officials are expecting a spike in the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the coming days. At first glance, this may seem alarming. However, case counts are not the only data we have to assess what is happening in our community. The hospitalization rate over time allows us to see trends in serious cases of the disease. The hospitalization epi curve allows us to see trends over time in serious cases of the disease and is not impacted by the amount of testing done. In Maricopa County, the curve remains relatively flat. Currently, about 14% of COVID-19 cases in Maricopa County have required hospitalization, down from 20% a few weeks ago, and about 4% are requiring ICU care, which is down from 6% a few weeks ago. This reflects more people with mild illness getting tested.
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 ending on Saturday, May 16, 2020. For locations go here.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, don’t let fears about the current pandemic stop you from calling 911. If you are experiencing the signs of a heart attack, stroke, or other emergency, go to the ER. When in doubt, reach out.
Many individuals and families in Maricopa County are experiencing the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some relying on the social safety net for the first time in their lives. Maricopa County and its partners want residents to know there are public services available to those in need.
Maricopa County Human Services Department has launched or expanded several initiatives to support people who are facing additional hardship right now. Read the press release here.
Great news for District 2: McDowell Mountain Regional Park is getting a wildlife conservation center! The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors just approved a Use Management Agreement between the County and Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center to develop and maintain the conservation center, although it will be a while until the facility is finished. I am grateful for Linda Searles' dedication and the value the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center brings to the community. Read more here
Sincerely,
Steve Chucri, District 2
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
www.maricopa.gov/steve
602-506-7431
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