If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and do not require medical attention, you’ll be asked to stay isolated at home to help prevent the disease from spreading to other people in your home and community.  Household members and other close contacts will be asked to take specific actions to quarantine themselves, monitor for symptoms, and prevent further spread to others.

Home isolation means you are at home and separate from others except to get medical care, and are using a separate bedroom from others. You should wear a mask if you are around others, even for short times, and avoid sharing household items like dishes, cups, utensils, and bedding.  Ideally, an infectious person will have both a bedroom and a bathroom that is not shared with others who are in the home.

Do you need a place to stay isolated from others in your household?  Tell the Public Health investigator who contacts you.  That person will get you connected to resources that can help.

Home isolation guidelines depend on your circumstances, including whether you are experiencing symptoms and if you are immunocompromised.  Public Health has created a questionnaire to help you know when it’s safe to be around others.  Just answer a few simple questions, and we’ll tell you how long you should isolate.

Home isolation decision maker tool >

It’s no fluke that people who get the flu shot tend to be healthier during the influenza season.  According to the CDC, during 2018-2019, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 4.4 million illnesses due to influenza.  And those who did get the flu had better outcomes.  Vaccination among adults reduced the risk of being admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with flu by 82%.

Public Health is here to help with the vaccination effort.  We’re holding free flu shot events for kids and adults throughout the fall.  So far, we’ve held 50 events with dozens more to come, including a few this weekend.  Find one that works for you at maricopa.gov/flu.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association has released guidelines for fall competition which you can find here. 

To learn how these strategies are being implemented, check with the Athletic Director at your student’s high school or district office.  Public Health consults with schools regarding the latest data and research but does not make policy for schools.

More FAQ’s for parents and guardians >

View school outbreak information >

View COVID-19 data by zip code or school district >

The County administration building will be lit purple throughout October in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Sadly, during the early months of this pandemic, police agencies and crisis lines reported an increase in domestic violence as people spent more time inside their homes and away from other support systems. 

Our partners at the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) have resources for survivors as well as practical information for people who want to be allies.

Learn more >