As of last week, the State of Arizona had reported 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as a result of the spread of novel coronavirus. On that day, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency and issued an executive order in response to the World Health Organization declaring the virus a global pandemic.
Ducey said, “What declaring a public health emergency does is allows the state to quickly tap in to additional public health emergency resources to combat the virus. It provides hospitals and health care facilities such as nursing homes the flexibility to implement enhanced safety protocols and gives officials authority to procure additional supplies.”
According to Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ, “Arizona will receive $12.4 million to support public health response. This is in addition to the $500,000 already coming our way from the Center for Disease Control.”
That money is to be used to provide testing for the virus as well as to support health care workers with personal protective equipment and supplies.
Ducey also made an executive order pertaining to the outbreak. “This order is aimed to protect those most at risk such as our elderly citizens and those with underlying health issues. The order requires nursing homes and assisted living facilities to implement visitor policies including enhanced symptom checks.”
The order also requires insurance plans to cover out of network providers including laboratories and tele-medicine for Covid-19 testing. Insurance companies will also be required to cover 100 percent of the cost of testing.
In response to Ducey’s executive order, Winslow’s Campus of Care, a senior living facility, has restricted visitation for all of its residents beginning Thursday morning.
Arizona has confirmed nine cases of the virus, according to Christ. “We now have community spread of Covid-19. Three cases have been in Maricopa County, five in Pinal County and one in Pima County.”
As of press time, no confirmed cases have been reported in Navajo County. Public Health Director Jeff Lee said, “We continue to be in touch with the CDC and the state health department. We also are in weekly contact with our health care providers in the county, including those on the reservations. Each Thursday, we invite community members to check our website for any updates on the virus. That website is www.navajocountyaz.gov.”
Lee reminded citizens to:
* Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
* Avoid touching your face.
* Avoid shaking hands.
* Cover your cough/sneeze.
* Disinfect surfaces frequently.
* Wash your hands frequently and properly.
Lee also explained that to be tested for the virus, a patient must meet certain criteria. “I am not exactly sure what that criteria is and the state is who does those tests. You will be able to get a swab done at your doctor’s office, but that swab is sent to the state lab. Turn around time on that test is about 48 hours.”
Currently, no confirmed cases have been reported from the Navajo Nation. So far local impacts include the cancelation of several events, and an announcement of the suspension of church services for the LDS church until further notice. The Tuba City Spring Festival has been cancelled following a declaration of emergency by Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
Nez said, “The needs of the Navajo Nation are to be addressed in a manner so as to provide the necessary resources required to address this public health state of emergency. This includes but is not limited to resources of personnel, medical supplies and equipment, monetary funding and other resources as may be required to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Navajo Nation.”
Around the country many large-scale events have be cancelled or postponed. According to the National Basketball Association, the current NBA season will be suspended until further notice after at least two players have been diagnosed with Covid-19. The National Hockey League and Major League Baseball have also suspended their seasons. The traditional college basketball tournament, “March Madness,” will be played but will not allow fans in any of the arenas.
Ducey concluded, “Protecting public health is our top priority. When it comes to Covid-19, we have followed the facts and advice of our top professionals at the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.”
At risk populations, such as the elderly and those who are otherwise immunocompromised should stock up on their medications and basic household supplies according to CDC authorities. However, most are advising citizens to avoid crowds if possible and to practice basic sanitation and disinfecting practices.
