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LATEST INFORMATION
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1,325 Cases Reported Yesterday; 170,634 Cases Since January
8% Hospitalized 1% ICU Admissions View County Data
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New School and Business Benchmark Data
Numbers show increased community spread View Benchmark Data
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Staying Protected: Back to the Basics
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Case numbers continue to rise. Hospital usage continues to increase. With cases of COVID-19 on the rise and flu circulating, it’s more important than ever to take protective measures. Even with the potential of a vaccine coming soon, there are people to protect right now, and things you can do. Below, we run through the “why” behind basic preventive measures that everyone should take to slow the spread. |
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Stay Home When You're Sick
You don’t have to know exactly what’s making you sick. If you don’t feel well—if you have a fever, runny nose, or a cough, or any other concerning symptoms—stay home and stay away from others as much as possible. Many people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms and may be tempted to “tough it out,” and continue with regular activities. This decision could result in unknowingly spreading COVID-19 or flu to others. Please do not take unnecessary risk. Err on the side of caution, and you will be doing your part to limit community spread.
What to do when you’re sick >
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Limit Close Contact With People Outside Your Household
Earlier in the pandemic, you heard the phrase “you’re safer at home.” This is still true. By limiting social interactions, you limit the chances of coming into close contact with someone who may have the virus. Remember: According to CDC, an estimated 40% of COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic, meaning they may not look sick to you and they may not feel sick enough to stay away from others. By sticking close to home and keeping a small social circle, you decrease your risk of getting or spreading COVID-19.
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Wear A Mask
Maricopa County’s mask regulations remain in effect. These regulations apply even to people in cities and towns that do not have their own ordinance. Public Health recommends wearing masks when you cannot maintain six feet of distance between others, whether you are inside or outside. A growing body of evidence shows masks work to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Cloth face coverings should be washed and machine dried after each use in a way that does not damage or change the shape of the mask. Throw disposable masks in the trash after use.
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Get A Flu Shot
Peak flu season may not be here yet, but we know cases are likely to rise this winter. Getting a flu shot now is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself and our precious health care resources during the pandemic. According to the CDC, vaccination among adults reduces the risk of being admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with flu by 82 percent.
You can find ways to get your flu shot for free at maricopa.gov/flu.
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Get Tested for COVID-19
Free community COVID-19 testing is still widely available. If you have coronavirus symptoms, or think you may have been exposed, getting tested can help you make informed decisions to protect your health and the health of those around you.
To locate a free testing event, visit Maricopa.gov/COVID19Testing.
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Update On State Benchmark Data
All these preventive measures are important because COVID-19 transmission continues to increase across Maricopa County. Arizona Department of Health Services has identified three benchmarks to monitor the spread of the virus in our community.
We are seeing increases in all three benchmarks:
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Case rates per 100,000: For the most recent week of full data (10/25), Maricopa County had 129 cases per 100,000. This is considered substantial spread. For context, the rate one month earlier was 52 per 100,000.
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Percent positivity: For the most recent week of full data (10/25), Maricopa County, as a whole, has seen 6.9% of COVID-19 diagnostic tests come back positive. Between 5 and 10% is considered moderate spread. The rate one month earlier was 4.0%.
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COVID-like illness as a percentage of hospital visits: For the most recent week of full data, 3.8% of hospital visits in Maricopa County are for COVID-like illness. Below 5% is considered minimal spread. The rate one month earlier was 2.4%.
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Update On Schools
On our school dashboard, you’ll see additional school districts in Red (for substantial community spread) this week. Learn more about recommended next steps for schools here.
To date, we have had 61 COVID-19 outbreaks in Maricopa County K-12 schools. Of those, 45 are still open. Learn more about outbreaks by visiting our parent FAQ page.
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Holiday Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted guidance for how to celebrate Thanksgiving with COVID-19 circulating widely across the country. According to the CDC, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household. If you do plan to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, there are steps you can take to make your celebration safer. Learn more >
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