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County Services Impacted by COVID-19
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TODAY'S KEY MESSAGE
Covid-19 Testing Is Holding Steady; The Percentage Of Positive Tests Is Dropping
For the past six weeks, Arizona Department of Health Services data show that the amount of COVID-19 testing happening in our state has been relatively flat with between 50,000 and 60,000 PCR tests done per week. However, the percentage of those tests coming back positive has fallen from 10% in late July to 5% in the most recent week with complete data. A lower test positivity provides evidence that there is a sustained decrease in community spread and sufficient testing is available. Anyone who thinks they need a test is still encouraged to get one. Testing locations and events along with FAQ’s can be found at Maricopa.gov/COVID19testing.
Antibody Testing Project Begins This Week
Maricopa County Public Health is partnering with ASU and Mayo Clinic to offer free, voluntary COVID-19 antibody tests in 29 selected communities across Maricopa County. If your community was selected, you will receive a flyer on your door providing more information. Field teams will be out in these communities from September 12-20. Only a handful of participants are needed in each community. No personal or identifying information will be shared outside of public health and all samples and identifying information will be destroyed after the investigation is over.
This testing will tell you if you likely had a past COVID-19 infection and have antibodies to the virus. It will also help Public Health understand what percentage of the population has already been infected with COVID-19 and likely has some immunity to the disease. This information will help public health understand when strategies like social distancing and mask requirements can be safely relaxed.
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with the Pandemic
Children and teens can be more susceptible to stress related to the pandemic, and as school resumes, this reaction could be heightened. Parents can help by addressing their concerns calmly; providing honest, accurate information; acknowledging the strong emotions they are feeling; and maintaining routines to the extent possible.
Recognizing the need to support local businesses and non-profits during an unprecedented time, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved $23 million in CARES Act funds to design and launch a grant program to reimburse organizations for losses incurred during the pandemic. To date, the County has awarded more than $14 million in grants. Interested businesses and non-profits can see a list of qualifications and apply at azfoundation.org/MaricopaRelief.
The Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management is looking for your input to assist its planning efforts. This 5-minute survey asks about the types of natural disasters that have personally impacted you or your household in recent years.
Seeing road work in your neighborhood or curious about future plans? Take a look at current Maricopa County Department of Transportation projects here.
2020 CENSUS
You only have a few weeks left to complete your 2020 Census. An accurate count means Arizona will receive its fair share of federal funding for infrastructure, emergency response, and community services. Will you help?
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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