Maricopa County Public Health is partnering with ASU, the Mayo Clinic and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention on a “serosurvey” which aims to estimate how many people in Maricopa County have been infected with COVID-19, beyond those who have tested positive for the disease.  This involves testing people for COVID-19 antibodies. The information gained will give us a better idea of how many people in the county were infected in the past and are likely immune to the virus for at least a period of time.

We want to emphasize, though, that Public Health is not requiring anyone to participate in the serosurvey; it is completely voluntary.

Learn more about the serosurvey >

If you have a positive serology test for COVID-19, that means you likely had the virus at some point.  Current studies suggest that COVID-19 antibodies provide at least some immunity.  However, because COVID-19 is a novel virus, we don’t know if the antibodies make you immune from getting it again. 

The bottom line is, even if you have COVID-19 antibodies, you still need to take preventive measures to decrease the risk of getting (and spreading) the virus.

Maricopa County has continued to see declines in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths over the past several weeks.  The percent of positive COVID-19 tests has also been declining steadily.  A lower test positivity provides evidence that there is a sustained decrease in community spread and sufficient testing is available. We are pleased to see the decline and appreciate everyone continuing to work together in taking preventive measures to help stop the spread of this virus.

View the latest epi curves >

Learn more about how we count COVID-19 deaths (VIDEO) >

The Maricopa County Human Services Department is dedicating $1.2 million in CARES Act funds to quickly re-house individuals and families experiencing homelessness.  The focus is on people who are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.  The Board of Supervisors approved agreements with several local, non-profit organizations to provide these rapid housing solutions.  Additional funds will be spent on this effort in the coming year. 

The Board of Supervisors allocated $23 million in federal CARES Act funding for small business assistance. We have already provided more than $14 million in grants to qualifying businesses and non-profits. An expanded version of the program has made it possible for more local businesses and non-profits to qualify for grants to cover financial losses incurred because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

In July, Governor Ducey announced the establishment of the Task Force On Long-Term Care. The task force was assigned to develop recommendations and metrics on how and when visitation within long-term care facilities can be safely resumed and what steps facilities can take before then to help residents and their loved ones maintain contact.

Arizona's Task Force on Long-Term Care developed recommendations on safe visitation at facilities and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) adopted them, creating the COVID-19 Guidance for Visitation at Congregate Settings for Vulnerable Adults and Children.

The guidance required long-term care facilities to implement mitigation policies to protect residents, visitors and staff by September 4. If one of your loved ones is at a long term care facility, please contact that facility to inquire what visiting polices they have implemented so that you can safely visit. Read the Governor's Press Release here>

As most of you know, we had a historic turnout for our August Primary Election. Our Elections team recently presented their plan for the November election  Watch the presentation to the board that discusses the planning considerations for November. The Board will vote on the final Election Day and Emergency Voting Plan on September 14th at 9:30 a.m.

Would you like to help ensure a successful election in November?  Maricopa County Elections is hiring paid poll workers!  The available work starts in October and runs all the way through the November 3 election.  Email Recruitment@risc.maricopa.gov or  Sign up online >

100+ days above 100 degrees.  50+ days above 110 degrees.  There’s been no shortage of heat, but where’s the rain?  We got an update from the experts at Flood Control District.

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? Respond to the Census here.