Arizona COVID-19 Update

Brenda Kochevar

Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected

Brenda Kochevar, Reporter

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey revised the essential services list reclassifing barbers, hairstyling, massage services, nail salons, tanning salons, tattoo palors and spas as non essential and ordered them to close.

Governor Ducey also ordered new closures for public park amenties without possible adherance to social distancing orders such as basketball courts, playgrounds, splash pads and restrooms. Communal pools and swap meets were also included in the revised order.

On Monday, Governor Ducey announced first come, first served “Paycheck Protection Program” for most of Arizona small businesses, independent contractors and self-employed individuals. 

Also on Monday, Governor Ducey issued Executive Order 2020-21 Prohibiting Small Business Evictions until May 31, 2020. The order also protects nonprofits.

On Tuesday, Governor Ducey and the Arizona Department of Transportation temporarily waived commercial vehicle weight limits and reopened two rest stop areas to aid truckers bringing in essential supplies to Arizona.

In a news release on Tuesday, Governor Ducey announced $2 million in funding to Goodwill Services.

“Goodwill is a beacon of hope for countless Arizonans across our state,” Governor Ducey said. “Their work not only provides invaluable job and life skills, but also critical resources for families and individuals in need. They are a core part of our communities, and this funding will ensure they can continue to meet the needs of those who rely on them.”

Also on Tuesday, Governor Ducey released Executive Order 2020-24 Requirements for Individuals Traveling to Arizona which states a mandantory 14 days quarantine or self isolation upon arrival into Arizona if traveling from an area with significant community spread of COVID-19. 

Additional Executive Orders on Tuesday from Governor Ducey included Protection of Vulnerable Residents in Residential and Nursing Health Care Facilities, Enhanced Surveillance Advisory COVID-19,  and Flexible Food Item & Sale of Goods at Restaurants.

In a news release on Wednesday, Governor Ducey announced that the Emergency Food Assistance Program awarded $9.8 million to the Arizona Department of Economic Security.  Governor Ducey explained that the money will feed low-income Arizonans.

A second news release lists webpage links for Arizona workers to access umemployement benefits.

In the third news release, Governor Ducey announced expedited emergency payments to hospitals. 

The fourth news release on Wednesday, the Arizona Department of Administration announced over 200 hotspots to students that do not have internet at home. 

In conjunction, Governor Ducey announced a Mobile Hotspot Donation Drive to aid students without internet at home. Donate here.

On Wednesday, Executive Order 2020-26 Remote Online Notarization was signed on Wednesday by Governor Ducey. It creates virtual notary services for use in bussiness agreements, deeds, loans and more.

On Thursday, Governor Ducey announced that those Arizona residents on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can use their benefits online with currently authorized retailers, Amazon and Walmart. 

Executive Order 2020-27 The “Good Samaritan” Order Protecting Frontline Healtcare Workers Responding to the COVID-19 Outbreak was issued by Governor Ducey on Thursday.

Governor Ducey announced on Thursday the reopening of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Phoenix to house COVID-19 patients.

Governor Ducey announced on Friday that the Strategic National Stockpile is sending 100 additional ventilators to Arizona.

Today, Governor Ducey issued a news release regarding Easter and Passover.

“I wish all Arizonans-and those celebrating around the world-a peaceful and joyous Easter and Passover weekend. God Bless,” Governor Ducey said.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) COVID-19 Statistics for Arizona Confirmed Cases and Deaths on April 12:

  • Number of Cases 3,539
  • Number of Deaths 115
  • Cases by Gender – 47% Male – 53% Female
  • Deaths by Gender – 63% – 37% Female
  • Maricopa County 1960 cases and 48 deaths
  • Pima County 622 cases and 29 deaths
  • Navajo County 335 cases and 8 deaths
  • Coconino County 243 cases and 19 deaths
  • Pinal County 163 cases and 4 deaths
  • Apache County 72 cases and 3 deaths
  • Yavapai County 63 cases and less than 3 deaths
  • Mohave County 30 cases and less than 3 deaths
  • Yuma County 17 cases and 0 deaths
  • Cochise County 15 cases and 0 deaths
  • La Paz County 4 cases and less than 3 deaths
  • Gila County has 3 cases and 0 deaths
  • Graham County 2 cases and 0 deaths
  • Greenlee County 2 cases and 0 deaths

The AZDHS COVID-19 Confirmed Casses and Deaths by Age Group:

  • Less than 20 years 122 cases and 0 deaths
  • 20 – 44 years 1,301 cases and 1 death
  • 45-54 years 648 cases and 12 deaths
  • 55 – 64 years 607 cases and 24 deaths
  • 65 years and older 856 cases and 78 deaths
  • Unknown 5 cases and 0 deaths

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 recommendations to protect yourself and others:

  • Clean your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
  • Stay home as much as possible.
  • Maintain at least a six foot distance from people.
  • Stay home if you are ill.
  • Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to cover coughs and sneezes. Discard tissues and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use a face mask if you are sick and around other people.
  • Clean and disinfect daily all surfaces that are touched frequently.