Happy headlines are hard to come by these days. Coronavirus cases in the Valley and fear concerning the pandemic continue to rise, but there are silver linings – the community is coming together (virtually) in solidarity and local organizations, businesses and residents are doing the best they can to support each other. Our duty during these tough times is to keep you informed and updated, even if the news isn’t always uplifting. Here is a roundup of coronavirus-related news in our region, from drive-thru testing sites to the implementation of a statewide crisis hotline.
Case Counts Continue to Rise
Today, the Arizona State Department of Health Services announced that the state’s community transmission level of the coronavirus has gone from “moderate” to “widespread.” The virus has now spread to 13 counties in Arizona, with 508 confirmed cases throughout the state. Since the outbreak began in late January, 6,600 people – less than 1 percent of the state’s population – have been tested for COVID-19. Health officials say the number of cases will continue to rise as tests become more widely available.
8 Deaths Have Been Reported
As of Thursday morning, eight coronavirus deaths have been confirmed in Arizona. Health officials predict that the death toll will peak in April.
Hospitals Are Ill-Equipped to Handle a Surge in Coronavirus Cases
Arizona does not currently have the hospital bed capacity to deal with a sudden increase in cases. According to the state’s health director, Dr. Cara Christ, Arizona will need an additional 13,000 hospital beds and 1,500 ICU beds for recovering patients if hospitalizations peak as predicted.
Banner Health Sets Up Drive-Thru Testing Sites
Banner Health, the state’s biggest hospital system, opened four drive-thru testing locations throughout Arizona earlier this week. Those who wish to get tested must first call a hotline to make an appointment. The number is being flooded with an influx of phone calls, resulting in long wait times. Currently, criteria to get tested includes coming into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
U.S. Senate Passes Coronavirus Aid Package
On Wednesday, the Senate passed a $2 trillion relief package intended to help employees and corporations throughout the country deal with the financial fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Martha McSally voted in favor of the legislation, which is the largest emergency spending effort in U.S. history. The measure includes a one-time payment of $1,200 to individuals, $2,400 to married couples and $500 to children, as well as a $500 billion fund to aid financially struggling businesses.
Arizona Sets State Record for Number of Jobless Claims Filed
On Monday, 14,000 Arizonans filed for unemployment, setting the record for the most first-time claims filed in one day. At $240 a week, Arizona currently offers the second-lowest amount of unemployment benefits in the nation. The coronavirus relief bill would increase unemployment benefits by $600.
Valley Bike Shops Experience Spike in Sales
Because of the widespread closure of fitness centers, Valley residents are buying bicycles to get their workout in while self-quarantining. Arizona bike suppliers have seen sales skyrocket in recent weeks.
ASU Confirms 15 Students Have Been Diagnosed with Coronavirus
On Tuesday, Arizona State University confirmed 15 coronavirus cases among its student population. Officials have not disclosed the location of the students. The university has transitioned to online classes and advised those who live in student housing to move out, if possible. It has not yet come to a conclusion about commencement ceremonies.
Arizona Postpones Real ID Deadline to October 1, 2021
The Arizona Department of Transportation has extended expiration dates on driver’s licenses and cancelled appointments to obtain a travel-compliant ID. The department encourages Arizonans to delay visits to motor vehicle divisions to avoid crowds.
Governor Ducey Announces Coronavirus Crisis Hotline
A new statewide hotline has been set up in English and Spanish to provide important information about coronavirus. By dialing 211, Arizona residents can get updates on how to prepare and prevent the spread of COVID-19, how to get tested, what populations are at a higher risk and what to do if you are infected. The line will operate every weekday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
