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Public Health has been collecting COVID-19 data for the past six months. The first case was reported in late January. When the statewide “stay home” order went into effect on March 31, there were 791 total cases reported in Maricopa County. When the “stay home” order ended on May 15, our county had 6,869 confirmed cases. Increased testing and increased social interaction have led to a significant increase in cases, with more than 80% of total COVID-19 cases reported since the beginning of June. The increased community spread makes it more important than ever to take preventive actions to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors. For the most up to date demographic breakdown, click here.
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) tracks hospital capacity. You can find data listed on this page under “Hospital COVID-19 Specific Metrics. We can all help ease the burden on hospitals and medical professionals by taking personal protective measures to reduce our risk of getting or spreading COVID-19.
While it’s still true that the risk of being admitted to a hospital, an intensive care unit, or dying of COVID-19 increases with age, it’s also true that a younger demographic of people across the United States are getting seriously ill from COVID-19 as well. A recent CDC study looking at underlying health conditions and risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 patients reported the median age for hospitalization was 48 years old, which may be younger than you’d expect.
View Maricopa County data dashboard >
Early voting for the August primary election starts on July 8th. Maricopa County voters can cast a ballot at any Vote Center found here. Locations are open July 8 - August 4, including some nights and weekends. Visit BeBallotReady.Vote to find out if you're registered and what's on your ballot. A voter can request to have a ballot sent to a temporary mailing address online, written or simplest and fastest way is to phone the Call Center at 602-506-1511.
You can either submit a written request or do so online at request.maricopa.vote.
Your written request must include the following:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Residence Address
- Temporary Address
- Signature
- Note granting permission to mail to temporary address.
You can email a scanned copy of this written request to evreq@risc.maricopa.gov, fax it to 480-360-3628 or mail it to:
Maricopa County Elections
Attn: Early Voting
510 S 3rd Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Temporary mailing addresses can be submitted between 93 and 11 days prior to an Election Day. If your mail is forwarded - all official election materials, such as ballots, are marked (as required by law) "Do Not Forward – Return Service Requested".
Last week, Governor Ducey and Secretary Hobbs made an investment of $9 million in CARES Act funding to support safe and secure voting in Arizona during the 2020 election season. The majority of funding will be distributed to county election officials to support their efforts including hiring temporary staff and increasing curbside voting locations. Additional dollars will support early voting opportunities, especially in rural and tribal communities, and additional PPE purchases for the health and safety of voters and poll workers on Election Day. Read the press release here.
Maricopa County is providing relief to small businesses and non-profits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board of Supervisors approved $23 million in federal CARES Act funding for the grant program as many businesses struggle to stay open or reopen. The Small Business Relief Program will provide up to $10,000 in grants to reimburse businesses and non-profits (501(c)3) for lost revenues during March and April. The application period opens July 9th.
For more information about the Small Business Relief Program, including application materials and requirements visit: www.azfoundation.org/MaricopaRelief
Questions can also be emailed to: MaricopaRelief@azfoundation.org.
Unless Congress acts, the national moratorium on evictions will expire later this month. People who are struggling to pay rent may have questions about what assistance is available going forward. There are several options, including state-run programs and those run by municipalities. You can find information at arizonatogether.org
Maricopa County is using federal CARES Act funding to create a new rent assistance and eviction protection program, which would offer approximately 6,000 households in the region up to three months of rent. In addition, this program would cover utility costs for these households. The program is expected to roll out later this month.
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Presiding Judge Joseph C. Welty has halted all new jury selection for the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County in response to the increased spread of COVID-19 in our community. The suspension applies to all courts located in Maricopa County now through close of business on Friday, July 31, 2020. Grand Jury operations have also been suspended effective July 6th through the end of the month. Learn more >
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 On July 2nd, the Tonto National Forest entered into a Stage 3 Forest Closure. The Stage 3 restrictions are being put in place to reduce the risk of fire danger to the land and public. This means all lands within the Tonto National Forest boundary are closed to the public, with exception of a few roads, lakes, and river access points. For up to date information regarding the Tonto National Forest and road closures, click here.
The closure remains in effect until July 31, 2020, or until rescinded by the Tonto National Forest. A copy of the official statement is available here.
Sincerely,
Steve Chucri, District 2
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
www.maricopa.gov/steve
602-506-7431
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