By Linda Kor “Arizonans can help contain the spread of COVID-19 by taking the precautions we know work, like wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing.” That was a statement made by Governor Doug Ducey in a press conference last week as the state continues to see an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. As of July 23, there were a reported 156,301 cases in the state since the pandemic began, with 5,028 in Navajo County. In Navajo County, an average of 20 new cases were reported each day for the month of July, with 35 deaths in the county since July 1 for a total of 165. To promote the effort to mask-up, the Governor’s Office has started the #MaskUp campaign. The campaign features a variety of concepts developed by the agencies in partnership with the Governor’s Office. The content developed as part of the collaboration will run across media platforms for an initial eight-week period, with new concepts being released over the course of the campaign. Ducey also stated, “Our purpose is to get this message out to all Arizonans. We are proud to come together with our partners in the private sector to stress the importance of these practices as we continue to fight COVID-19.” Arizonans can take the following precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19: * Stay home when you are sick. * Wear a mask every time you are in public, even if you do not feel sick. * Physically distance by staying at least six feet away from others who are not in your household when you are in public. * Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. * Arizonans at higher risk for severe illness should continue to stay at home and avoid crowded public spaces. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions. * Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. * Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. * Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) and immediately throw the tissue in the trash. * Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. These efforts can save lives and will allow the activities enjoyed in Arizona to begin once again.
