The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) announced that Arizona will receive $12.4 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support the public health response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This is in addition to the $16.2 million already received from the CDC during this response. ADHS will work with local public health departments to enhance and implement statewide plans to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona. Key funding priorities will include identifying cases, contact tracing and follow up activities, improving morbidity and mortality surveillance, enhancing laboratory testing, and protecting and monitoring the health of our healthcare system.
“The Arizona response to the COVID-19 outbreak continues to be our top priority, and we will be working with our local public health departments to augment the statewide system for aggressive case investigation and contact tracing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Cara Christ, ADHS Director. “Our public health strategy is to reduce the spread of the disease, protect those who are most at risk for serious complications, and ensure our healthcare system has the capacity to treat those who need care.”
Governor Doug Ducey issued a Declaration of Emergency on March 11, 2020 to combat the spread of COVID-19, and signed into law Senator Brophy McGee’s bill, SB 1051, on March 12, 2020, which provided ADHS with access to an additional $55,500,000 in emergency funds that can be used for resources to protect public health. ADHS activated its Health Emergency Operations Center on January 26, 2020 after the first case of travel-associated COVID-19 was confirmed in Arizona. The Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) remains open to coordinate the State’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
With widespread community transmission of COVID-19, and increased testing, ADHS expects to see more cases of COVID-19 in Arizona. COVID-19 is highly contagious and can be fatal. It is imperative that everyone takes precautions to protect themselves and their friends and family from this disease.
The best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Continue to Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected;
- 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;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick; stay home when you are sick;
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash; and
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For more information about the COVID-19 response in Arizona, go online to azhealth.gov/COVID19.
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