Last week we included guidance for when schools should consider pulling back on in-person instruction once they've re-opened. Starting this week, the pop-up report on our school data dashboard will now reflect this recommendation when a selected area has met the higher degree of community spread mark for 2 consecutive weeks. 

The new data does not change anything for businesses that have been identified as being at higher risk for spreading COVID-19.  With moderate spread, gyms, movie theaters, water parks, and bars and nightclubs that serve food can continue to operate under the guidelines outlined by Arizona Department of Health Services.

Public Health received an unexpected increase in reported case numbers late on Wednesday.  Upon further investigation, we have determined this was due to additional electronic lab reporting dating back to July.  The cases come from multiple zip codes and age groups, so there will be some changes to historic data over this time period.

We need your help.  There are just a few days left in our serosurvey, a partnership between Maricopa County, ASU, and Mayo Clinic that provides free, voluntary COVID-19 antibody tests in 29 selected communities across Maricopa County. Field teams are out in these communities, knocking on doors and looking for about 100 more volunteers to get tested. Your information is kept private (see how seriously we take this here).  By participating, you will help Public Health understand when and how we could reach community immunity and relax mitigation strategies like social distancing and mask wearing.

Still have questions?  View serosurvey FAQ’s >

During the pandemic, more Arizonans are relying on food banks for meals.  The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors recognizes the important role these non-profit food banks play in our community.  Yesterday, the Board allocated $3 million in CARES Act funding to support these organizations' efforts to feed more individuals and families.  You can help, too, by volunteering at or donating to a food bank of your choice.

Get involved >

With a decline in the number of deaths in Maricopa County over the past several weeks, Maricopa County Unified Command has suspended operations at a temporary morgue site set up over the summer to provide additional storage.  The Office of Medical Examiner currently has sufficient capacity to handle those cases that fall within their jurisdiction.