Updated 5/6: COVID-19 in Arizona

Last updated on May 6, 2020 

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention lists symptoms, how it spreads, and how to prevent and treat. 

COVID-19 in Arizona

9,707 cases and 426 deaths are reported as of May 6 by the Arizona Department of Health Services which updates their site daily. You can see it here. The state is deemed “widespread” for community spread and has made the following recommendations:

  • Effective close of business Tuesday, March 31, the state has stated that everyone shall limit their time away from home, except to conduct or participate in essential activities, and/or;
    • to work, volunteer or participate in essential functions; or
    • to go to any essential business to get products or services;
    • to work if, as a sole proprietor or family-owned business, work is conducted in a separate office space from your home AND the business is not open to serve the public.
  • Essential businesses that remain open must facilitate physical distancing and spacing between individuals of at least six feet.
    • Barbers and cosmetologist are allowed to open as of Friday, May 8. Face coverings must be used by employees and customers and customers can be seen by appointment only.
    • Dine-in restaurants are allowed to open effective Monday, May 11. They most observe social distancing and limit diners.
    • You can read Governor Ducey’s Executive Order here
  • Maintaining physical distancing.
  • Operating with reduced occupancy and capacity based on the size of the business location with special attention to limiting areas where customers and employees can congregate.
  • Comprehensive sanitation protocols.
  • Continuing to provide options for delivery or curbside service even if a location allows customers inside the store.
  • Closing fitting rooms at clothing stores, meeting rooms, or other enclosed spaces accessible to customers that do not allow for appropriate physical distancing.
  • Implementing symptom screening for employees prior to the start of their shift.
  • Consider offering cloth face coverings to employees and visitors to wear.
  • Expiration dates on Arizona driver licenses are delayed.
  • Recommend telework and other alternatives when available.
  • Arizona schools state-wide are closed through the end of the school year.

Cochise County 

  • 40 cases as of May 6
    • The 85607 ZIP code is listed as having 14 cases total.
    • ZIP code information is available by clicking here.
  • 968 tests have been performed in Cochise County
  • The County Health Department is in contact with the state lab, and the County Epidemiology Investigations Team is following up on all reports of sick individuals who meet the follow up and testing criteria. Cochise County will provide updates on their website
  • You can sign up for emergency alerts from the county here.

Maricopa County 

  • 5,138 cases as of May 6

Pima County 

  • 1,425 cases as of May 6

Navajo County 

  • 892 cases as of May 6

Coconino County 

  • 588 cases as of May 6

Pinal County 

  • 497 cases as of May 6

Apache County 

  • 612 cases as of May 6

Mojave County 

  • 150 cases as of May 6

Yavapi County 

  • 140 cases as of May 6

Yuma County 

  • 134 cases as of May 6

Santa Cruz County 

  • 37 case as of May 6

Graham County 

  • 19 case as of May 6

La Paz County 

  • 18 cases as of May 6

Gila County 

  • 15 case as of May 6

Greenlee County 

  • 2 case as of May 6

Healthcare facilities 

  • All Copper Queen facilities and Chiricahua are performing swab tests. Please call your healthcare professional to make arrangements.
  • Chiricahua Community Health Center: Telehealth appointments are available, without having to leave home. All providers and all services are accessible via telehealth. Please call (520) 459-300 or text us at (520) 678-7356 to schedule your appointment.
  • Copper Queen Community Hospital: Telemedicine appointments are available, please call: 520-805-6800. Copper Queen is still offering in-person appointments. Dr. Edward Miller, Chief Medical Officer stated, “The Coronavirus comes from a large family of viruses including COVID-19, the common cold and even the flu. We have not had any patients test positive for COVID-19 in or from Cochise County.” Dr. Miller also stated “I want to assure you that emergency preparedness is not new to hospitals and that Copper Queen Community Hospital and our Rural Health Clinics are prepared. We have a team working hourly to update personnel as the situation changes.”

General health information

  • Spreading: The virus spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is also possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching an object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. 
  • Testing: COVID-19 tests are available but are limited in amount and therefore has specific criteria. Ask your medical provider.  
  • Symptoms: Patients with COVID-19 have mild (a cold) to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of: fever, cough and shortness of breath 
  • Protection:  
    • 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.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick, unless complications arise or you have other chronic medical conditions.
    • If you are coming to the hospital or office for respiratory symptoms, call before you leave home so we can be prepared to care for you when you arrive.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For the most accurate, up-to-date information visit the following websites

Sources