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LATEST INFORMATION
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6,957 Cases Reported Yesterday; 265,605 Cases Since January
7% Hospitalized 1% ICU Admissions Demographic Breakdown
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Countywide Mask Regulations in Effect
Applies to all places of public accommodation Read Regulations
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Maricopa County Vaccine Distribution Plan
Get updated information on services impacted. View Updates
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The Vaccine Is Here. What Does That Mean For The General Public?
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COVID-19 vaccinations begin this week, but our day-to-day protection measures against COVID-19 will still be needed. Marcy Flanagan, Executive Director of Maricopa County Public Health, says we all need to remain vigilant in the coming months as we wait for our turn to be vaccinated.
Remember:
- Vaccine doses are limited at this time and prioritized for those at highest risk for exposure, such as healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities. It will likely be months before there is enough vaccine for everyone.
- Now and in the near future, it is important to continue preventive measures such as mask wearing, social distancing, and limiting your time with people outside your household.
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Safety Precautions At PODs
For Phase 1A of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, doses of the vaccine will be distributed to eligible healthcare personnel (scheduled through a pre-screening process by appointment only) at five regional Points of Dispensing (PODs) across the county in conjunction with Abrazo Health, Banner Health, Banner Del Web, Dignity Health, HonorHealth, and Valleywise Healthcare. These will be operated with strict safety standards and staffed with certified medical professionals.
- All staff will be wearing PPE, including masks
- Vaccinators (staff and volunteers who prepare and administer vaccines) will wear additional PPE, such as gloves, gowns, and face shields
- Vaccinators are staff and volunteers who have current professional licenses
- All vaccinators received special training specifically on preparing and administering the COVID-19 vaccine
Get accurate, up-to-date vaccine information at Maricopa.gov/COVID19Vaccine.
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Vaccine Safety
Like all vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines must go through a rigorous and multi-step testing and approval process before they can be used. Throughout vaccine development and distribution, there are numerous safety measures. These include:
- The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizes and monitors all clinical trials.
- To apply for an Emergency Use Authorization, developers of a vaccine must provide a large amount of data on its safety and effectiveness to meet the rigorous standards set by the FDA.
- Independent advisory committees provide oversight and monitor for safety during vaccine development and testing.
- Clinical trials for a vaccine continue after the EUA is granted until enough data is available to grant full approval by the FDA.
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine safety in our FAQ’s >
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Quarantine Guidance
Staying away from others when you are sick—or when you have been exposed to COVID-19—is an important step each of us can take to slow the spread of the virus in our community. If you were within 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period or had physical contact with a person with COVID-19, you are asked to stay in quarantine at home. The graphic below provides guidance for how long your quarantine should last.
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School Guidance
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The first half of the school year is wrapping up and many parents and students are wondering what next semester will hold. Public Health will continue to work closely with school decision-makers as they determine the best learning scenario for their schools, and on mitigation measures to keep students and teachers healthy.
To contact Public Health for guidance, school officials can go here. Parents can contact Public Health here.
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Should I Go To The Hospital?
ADHS data shows hospitals treating record numbers of COVID-19 patients. ICU bed availability is down to 9% statewide. As a result, you may be wondering whether you should seek medical treatment if you are sick.
Most people who get COVID-19 don’t need to go to the hospital. If symptoms are minor, you likely will be able to recover at home. However, if you experience any especially concerning symptoms like those listed below, you should seek medical attention immediately.
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Free COVID-19 Tests
If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who is COVID-19 positive, you can find a place to get tested by visiting Maricopa.gov/COVID19Testing. We have a list of community events where you can get a diagnostic test for free, as well as links to other options offered through the Arizona Department of Health Services or private partners.
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Free Flu Shots
Whether you have insurance or not, you can get a free flu shot. Find times and locations for all of our free flu vaccine events, at Maricopa.gov/flu.
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Funeral Assistance
With finances tight because of the pandemic, some grieving families find themselves unable to pay for the burial expenses of a loved one. To assist, Maricopa County and Valley of the Sun United Way are partnering to provide assistance for funeral costs.
Visit funeralassistanceprogram.org >
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