Maricopa County Public Health has been tracking probable cases since the beginning of the pandemic.  However, we had been reporting confirmed cases only due to a difference in the definition of probable cases from Arizona Department of Health Services as well as the fact that the number of probable cases was very small.  

As of today, Maricopa County Public Health is including both confirmed and probable cases in our COVID-19 data reports.  This change is being made because of an upcoming decision to list individuals with a positive antigen test for COVID-19 as probable cases, and to align with state and national definition changes.

628 probable cases and 51 deaths, which have occurred since the beginning of the pandemic, have now been added into Maricopa County counts and epi-curves.  These cases and deaths are distributed throughout the entire pandemic period and have not affected overall trends in data.

A death in a probable case is now defined as any death where COVID-19 is listed on the death certificate and no COVID-19 positive PCR test results are available.

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a countywide mask mandate on June 20 in response to a rapid increase in cases.  Almost exactly 14 days later, COVID-19 case numbers plateaued and began to decline.  Other states and cities who have implemented similar mask requirements have also seen a significant decline in case rates 14 days after the requirement was implemented.

While other policies were implemented nearly simultaneously, such as closing bars and gyms statewide, Public Health is confident that the mask requirement played a critical role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Maricopa County. 

Maricopa County Public Health recommends that the mask requirement be kept in place until one of two situations occur:

1. There is no community spread of COVID-19 documented in Maricopa County as defined by a 28-day period during which no new COVID-19 cases are reported to public health
2. A COVID-19 vaccine is widely available with at least 40% of the population vaccinated.

If there is no COVID-19 circulating, then masks are not required to prevent spread. 

If there’s a vaccine and approximately 40% of the population is vaccinated (about the same percentage that gets the flu vaccine every year), there will be enough immunity to prevent a rapid increase in cases.  Additionally, those who are at highest risk will be able to protect themselves with a measure other than social distancing.

This is a good weekend to hunker down at home, if you can.  An excessive heat warning is in effect, with temperatures expected to top 113 degrees for the next several days.  Don’t forget to stay hydrated, limit your time outside, and watch for signs of heat-related illness.

Visit heataz.org for ways to stay safe >

Along with the books and materials you can pick up curbside, the Maricopa County Library District (MCLD), has a wealth of digital resources available.  Access entertainment, learning, and research from your personal device – all free with your library card!

For more information visit mcldaz.org or call
(602) 652-3000.

Don’t miss your opportunity to make your voice count and help your community get stronger.  Participate in the 2020 Census.  It’s your civic duty, and it’s also the way Arizona receives its fair share of federal funding for infrastructure, emergency response, and community services.