Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order extending the Enhanced Surveillance Advisory that requires hospitals, testing laboratories and other health care facilities to report detailed information about COVID-19. To help public health officials and local communities make data-driven decisions to fight the spread of the virus, Arizona’s Enhanced Surveillance Advisory, established by Executive Order 2020-13 in March, requires reporting about COVID-19 cases, health care capacity, and … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Extends Enhanced Surveillance Advisory Tracking COVID-19, Health Care Capacity
covid- 19
Disinfecting Support for the Navajo Nation
Hitting with a vengeance, COVID-19 made its first frightening appearance on the Navajo Nation in mid-March and quickly grew in magnitude, as limited health facilities on the reservation shifted into high gear and were rapidly overwhelmed. With a population of 173,667, according to the 2010 census, the Navajo Nation spans 27,000 square miles in parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The largest and most populated reservation in the country saw an infection rate of coronavirus spiking in May … [Read more...] about Disinfecting Support for the Navajo Nation
Identifying Resources for Small Businesses
In a time of business uncertainty, of waning government stimulus packages and a resurgence of positive COVID-19 cases, it is good to know what resources are still out there to help restore consumer confidence and stabilize struggling businesses. First, let’s start with what we know to be true based on the direct feedback from businesses throughout Coconino County. Second, based on what we know, let’s discuss the county’s programs and resources that are available to business owners right … [Read more...] about Identifying Resources for Small Businesses
Scientists Share Findings of COVID-19 Genomic Research
As Arizona scientists conduct the most extensive genomic sequencing of COVID-19 of any state, they credit early public health response for preventing an outbreak in late January. Also, they say the data show public health interventions do work, including testing, tracing and isolating, to control the virus. In a news briefing on Sept. 15, the Arizona COVID-19 Genomics Union (ACGU) scientists reported that initial findings suggest the state experienced no viral spread from Arizona’s first … [Read more...] about Scientists Share Findings of COVID-19 Genomic Research
Arizona To Receive More Than 2 Million Rapid COVID-19 Tests
Governor Doug Ducey today announced that Arizona will receive 2.19 million Abbott rapid point-of-care tests from the federal government. The tests can produce results within 15 minutes. Delivery is expected to take place with shipments beginning in the next seven to 10 days. The Arizona Department of Health Services is working with county health departments to prioritize the tests for K-12 schools and congregate care facilities for vulnerable individuals. “Arizona is grateful to President … [Read more...] about Arizona To Receive More Than 2 Million Rapid COVID-19 Tests
Arizona Adds Nearly 80,000 Jobs In August, Unemployment Drops To 5.9%
Arizona’s economy posted strong gains in August, adding nearly 80,000 jobs over the month. The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.9%, down from 10.7% in July and lower than the U.S. overall rate of 8.4%. During August, the private sector in Arizona recorded a gain of 30,400 jobs, which is 12,200 more jobs than the ten year average for the month. Gains were posted across ten private sectors, with ‘education and health services’ and ‘trade, transportation and utilities’ at the top. “This … [Read more...] about Arizona Adds Nearly 80,000 Jobs In August, Unemployment Drops To 5.9%
Chamber Business News: CARES Act And Arizona Come Together For Schools In Pandemic
Federal lifelines from the federal CARES Act are not only aiding small businesses and individuals in Arizona to survive the pandemic, they are helping schools navigate new challenges, as well. In total, Arizona will collect $1.8 billion from the CARES Act. Of that, education is receiving an estimated $626 million. That relief has been “critical” for keeping students educated and safe as schools statewide cope with the financial realities of COVID-19, said Arizona Superintendent of Public … [Read more...] about Chamber Business News: CARES Act And Arizona Come Together For Schools In Pandemic
City enters Phase 3 of COVID reopening
The city of Flagstaff entered Phase 3 of its COVID-19 Reentry Plan. The move to Phase 3 was predicated on the number of new cases, hospitalizations and COVID related deaths continuing on a downward trajectory for four or more weeks, the demonstrated ability to follow CDC guidelines, ability to care for the seriously ill and providing testing, monitoring and contact tracing. Under Phase 3, the city will begin a limited reopening of city facilities and amenities. Face coverings are required in … [Read more...] about City enters Phase 3 of COVID reopening
The Orpheum Theater Releases COVID-Safe Reopening Guide for Outdoor Concerts
With our COVID-safe protocols developed and in place, we are excited to announce a new series of outdoor, live events that will be held in The Orpheum Theater's private lot beginning in September. Please join us for 'Laugh It Off: An Outdoor Comedy Show,' because we could all use a lot more laughter in our lives right about now. Partnered with Anger Management Comedy, this series will kick-off on September 4 with an early and a late show. Comprehensive sanitization will occur between shows with … [Read more...] about The Orpheum Theater Releases COVID-Safe Reopening Guide for Outdoor Concerts
Sinema-Backed Bipartisan Bill Funds Rural Arizona Health Providers
Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored the bipartisan Save Our Rural Health Providers Act, which allocates 20% of all remaining CARES Act Provider Relief Funds as well as any future funds, to rural health care providers in Arizona and across the United States to combat the coronavirus outbreak. “Arizona’s rural health providers need support to help save lives and effectively combat the coronavirus crisis,” said Sinema. Many rural Arizona hospitals are facing financial strain due … [Read more...] about Sinema-Backed Bipartisan Bill Funds Rural Arizona Health Providers