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 LATEST INFORMATION
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22,966 Cases
Since 1/1;
353,848 Cases Reported Since
Jan. 2020
7% Hospitalized
1% ICU Admissions
View County Data
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Phase 1B Vaccinations Start Soon
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Maricopa County Public Health is currently still in Phase 1A for vaccine distribution and is making final preparations for Phase 1B vaccinations, which will begin soon. Prioritized populations for Phase 1B will include adults age 75 and older, education and childcare workers, and law enforcement/protective services workers. Additional populations in 1B include other essential services workers and adults with high-risk conditions living in congregate settings. |
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Phase 1A Continues
Healthcare workers (direct and indirect patient care) & EMS are continuing to secure their prioritized appointments for COVID-19 vaccine as part of Phase 1A. Once Phase 1B begins, those in Phase 1A can still get their vaccinations; however, they will have the same priority status as those in 1B.
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How Is Prioritization Determined?
Right now, vaccine doses are limited, so decisions must be made on who gets vaccine in what order. Guidance on who gets priority for those doses comes from the CDC’s Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP). State and local vaccine advisory groups are then responsible for figuring out how federal recommendations should be implemented here.
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Some things to keep in mind:
- This is a rapidly-evolving situation. As more information becomes available about when additional prioritized populations can schedule appointments to get vaccinated, we will share it on our website at maricopa.gov/COVID19Vaccine.
- At each new phase, the distribution methods will change depending on the most effective ways of vaccinating those groups and the vaccine supply at that point.
- When we have more vaccine available, people will have more options for when and how to get their vaccines.
Update On COVID-19 Case Counts
The number of cases posted today covers new cases reported Friday (1/1) through Monday (1/4). Averaged over those 4 days, Maricopa County received 5,741 reports of COVID-19 cases per day, which is higher than the number of cases per day before the holidays. You can view the latest epidemic curve here.
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Why Have Case Counts Increased?
The week of Christmas, we saw a lower number of reported cases, likely due to fewer people being tested during the holidays. Remember, case counts we report each day are based on when lab results are reported to Public Health (our epi curve reflects when those cases were tested). The large number of cases reported in recent days is likely due to these people now getting testing, as well as an increase in community spread following holiday gatherings.
We know that anytime people gather with people outside of their home, the risk of transmission increases. Given that many people gathered and/or traveled for the holidays, it is likely that we will see a continued increase in the number of cases for
1-3 weeks following the Christmas and New Year holidays.
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What Can I Do To Help?
In short, remain vigilant. With COVID-19 transmission at the highest levels we’ve seen so far during the pandemic, everyone needs to take preventive measures to avoid getting sick. Do you really want to risk being one of the people who get severely ill? Or passing the virus to a loved one who might end up in the hospital?
Now is the time to double-down on our efforts:
- Stay home when you’re sick
- Limit close contacts with people outside your household
- Wear masks and keep six feet of distance from others in public
- Wash or sanitize your hands regularly
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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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