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 for Thursday, April 16.
Coronavirus Cases Exceed 4,000
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, there are now 4,234 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Arizona. More than 2,000 of those cases are in Maricopa County.
Death Toll Rises to 150
On Wednesday, the health department reported 142 coronavirus-related deaths in Arizona. On Thursday, that number rose to 150.
Delayed Testing Turnaround Causes Inaccurate Case Count
Tests for COVID-19 take four to seven days to produce results, causing a delay in data reported to the public. Case counts are likely much higher than officially reported by the health department. The state is also not recording how many people have recovered from the virus.
Navajo Nation Extends Curfew
The Navajo Nation recently implemented a 57-hour weekend curfew, which has now been extended for an additional two weekends through the end of April. The community will also close essential businesses during the curfew.
City of Mesa Launches Mesa CARES
The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development recently launched the Mesa CARES program to guide small businesses in Mesa through economic hardships during the coronavirus crisis.
Arizona Patient First to Survive COVID-19 Through Rare Blood Treatment
A Phoenix man is the first patient in Arizona to recover from coronavirus through a procedure called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen to the blood. The mortality rate of the rare treatment is 40 percent and only 10 people worldwide have survived the virus using this treatment.
Three Arizona Congress Members Chosen for Economic Recovery Task Force
On Thursday, Arizona senators Kyrsten Sinema and Martha McSally and representative Andy Biggs were picked to serve on the Opening Up America Again Congressional Group, a federal task force of Congress members focusing on the country’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
