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TODAY'S KEY MESSAGE
We're headed in the right direction, but we can't let our guard down.
Guidance from Maricopa County Public Health
Where Can I Get Tested?
Maricopa County has partnered with Valle del Sol to provide free COVID-19 tests at several high-need locations in July and August. Follow us on Facebook @maricopacountyaz for details as new locations are announced.
ADHS surge testing continues with thousands of free COVID-19 testing appointments still available. Appointment times and registration links can be found online at gov/SurgeTesting.
Who Should Get Tested?
Testing is an important part of the puzzle as we try to slow the spread of COVID-19, but you might wonder if you need to get tested. Maybe you’re not sure about your symptoms, or maybe you don’t want to deal with the potential of long lines or delays in getting back test results.
Here’s the bottom line when it comes to testing:
If you have COVID-like symptoms or have been around someone with COVID-like symptoms, you should get a diagnostic test and stay away from others until you know your results.
Remember: you don’t have to feel sick to test positive for COVID-19. An estimated 40% of positive COVID-19 cases are either asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic. Those people are still able to pass COVID-19 to others, and the people they expose can have more severe symptoms.
So think about who you’ve been around and what exposure you may have had. If there’s any doubt, get tested.
6 Things You Can Do To Prevent Getting or Spreading COVID-19
COVID-19 spreads mainly from person-to-person when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks and droplets land in the mouth or nose of others nearby.
It is less likely to be spread by a person touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, although studies have found that COVID-19 tends to live longer on harder surfaces such as plastic, glass, and metal.
Regardless of how it spreads, here are six ways to protect yourself and others:
Cover your mouth and nose with a face covering
Keep 6 feet apart from others outside your household
Wash or sanitize your hands frequently
Avoid large gatherings and crowds
Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces (countertops, doorknobs) frequently
Avoid sharing items (drinking glasses, utensils)
In Case You Missed It: This Week's Update from Unified Command
Maricopa County Unified Command holds regular news conferences to update members of the media and the public on the County’s response to the pandemic. These are broadcast live to Facebook and YouTube and shared in our daily email updates. On Wednesday, Maricopa County Public Health outlined its recommendations for schools in the coming year.
Maricopa County is working to prevent evictions by offering a new rental assistance program for residents outside of the cities of Phoenix and Mesa 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.
Make your voice count and help your community return stronger. Participate in the 2020 Census so Arizona receives its fair share of federal funding for infrastructure, emergency response, and community services.
All information requests related to Maricopa County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic should be directed to the Joint Information Center using the email address caomedia@maricopa.gov.
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