Weekly County Update

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District 2 COVID-19 & Other News Update

Need to Get a COVID-19 Test?

Symptoms

Arizona Department of Health Services lists COVID-19 testing sites, hours of operation, and information about pre-registration on its website.

If you’ve already been tested for COVID-19, you don’t have to wait for your results to take action. As soon as you get tested, you should begin isolating at home; complete a Public Health questionnaire to assist with disease investigation; and communicate with friends and family members who may have been exposed. Learn more here


Does the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner Investigate COVID-19 Deaths?

Not typically.  This is not a topic we would usually address in a newsletter, but the community has had some questions. The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) typically investigates 6,000-7,000 deaths per year in Maricopa County, with jurisdiction over those that are sudden, unexpected, or traumatic.  In the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, roughly 100 COVID-19 deaths have been in OME’s jurisdiction.  Most people who sadly pass away from the virus are in the care of hospitals and are then moved to funeral homes in the area. Click here to watch a video with more detailed information.

An overall increase in deaths in Maricopa County has created a strain on the larger system which includes hospitals, funeral homes, and the Office of the Medical Examiner (OME).  Maricopa County Public Health has been working with these groups to address bottlenecks. This has allowed OME to move decedents out of storage and into funeral homes as intended, and has allowed OME to stay well below current capacity.

As a precautionary measure, Maricopa County Unified Command has obtained cold storage to handle additional cases, if needed. This would expand OME’s capacity to include an additional 294 decedents. Again, this is only if necessary. Watch this video explaining the domino effect of COVID-19 cases on the Medical System.


What Happens if You're a Close Contact of a Positive Case?

contact tracing

If you are in close contact of someone with COVID-19 (usually meaning someone who lives in the same household or who has been within 6 feet for more than 10 minutes during the person’s infectious period), you will receive a phone call from Maricopa County Department of Public Health. This phone call will cover:

  • That you were exposed
  • How to protect those around you from developing COVID-19
  • How to sign up for Sara Alert to share your symptoms with Public Health
  • What to do if you develop symptoms
  • How to speak with a specialist if you have questions

If you have Caller ID, you may see the number 1-855-414-4673 or “Public Health,” or “AZ Health.” In some cases, our call may show as “Unknown.” If you are unsure about taking a call or miss a call, please check your voicemail!

Note: If we are unable to reach you by phone, we may also try to reach you through text or email, letting you know that we have important information and to please call us back. 


New Rental Assistance Program: Apply Now!

rental assistance

Maricopa County is working to prevent evictions by offering a new rental assistance program for residents who have been impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. The program would offer as many as 6,000 households up to three months of rent. The program is funded through the federal CARES Act. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply here.

Program explained (VIDEO) >

Last week, Governor Ducey held a press conference providing updates on COVID-19 increased testing, lab capacity and deployment of additional nursing staff hospitals across the state. 

Governor Ducey signed an Executive Order extending a moratorium on residential evictions until October 31, 2020, providing continued protections for renters who are facing economic hardship as a result of COVID-19. The order ensures renters impacted by COVID-19 will be able to stay in their homes while extending the time to access rental assistance programs. 

To view guidance for landlords and renters, click HERE


Elections and Recorder's Office Hiring Now!

vote here

 

Hiring Now! The Maricopa County Elections Department is looking for poll workers, ballot processors, warehouse drivers and more. Pay is $12-$15/ hour depending on the position. Safety measures are in place for all staff, including temporary workers. Apply here!

As a reminder, Vote Centers are now open. You can search for locations in your area by visiting Locations.Maricopa.Vote, or request a ballot by mail by July 24 at Request.Maricopa.Vote.



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