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COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
COVID-19 Vaccine
In coordination with the Arizona Department of Health Services COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, our planning efforts include involvement from hospital and healthcare systems, emergency response agencies, community-based organizations, and others. The role of different partners in vaccine distribution will depend on vaccine supply and the stage of the vaccine distribution plan. As more information becomes available about COVID-19 vaccine, this page will be updated.
As of June 18, 2021, Santa Cruz County Health Department and Mariposa Community Health Center, are no longer offering Covid-19 vaccinations at the Nogales Recreation Center.
Those seeking a vaccine may call Mariposa Community Health Center, or their area pharmacy for information on scheduling a vaccine appointment. Currently, the following vaccines are available in the county, but providers may not carry each type. Please call your preferred provider to find out.
** Moderna Vaccine is available for ages 18 and up.
** Johnson and Johnson vaccine is available for ages 18 and up.
**Pfizer vaccine is available for ages 12 and up.
For additional information visit the Arizona Department of Health Services
Frequently Asked Questions about the vaccine
How can we trust the vaccine will be safe when its production and distribution are being expedited?
Like all vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines must go through a rigorous and multi-step testing and approval process before they can be used. Throughout vaccine development and distribution, there are numerous safety measures. These include:
- The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizes and monitors all clinical trials.
- To get an Emergency Use Authorization, developers of a vaccine must provide a large amount of data on its safety and effectiveness to meet the rigorous standards set by the FDA
- Independent advisory committees provide oversight and monitor for safety during vaccine development and testing.
- Clinical trials for a vaccine continue after EUA is granted until enough data is available to grant full approval
After a vaccine is authorized for use, multiple safety monitoring systems are in place to watch for possible adverse events. If an unexpected serious adverse event is detected, experts work as quickly as possible to determine whether it is a true safety concern.
What side effects could there be from the vaccine?
According to clinical trial data reviewed by the FDA, the most commonly reported side effects, which typically lasted several days, were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever. Of note, more people experienced these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose, so it is important for vaccination providers and recipients to expect that there may be some side effects after either dose, but even more so after the second dose.
Will I need more than one dose of vaccine?
Yes. The two leading vaccine candidates (Pfizer and Moderna) will require two doses given 3 to 4 weeks apart to provide maximum protection. Your vaccine provider will let you know if you need an additional dose and help provide a way to remind you to return in the right amount of time so you can receive your second dose.
If I get a COVID-19 vaccine, do I still have to take other precautions?
Yes, even if you get vaccinated, we recommend you continue with the other prevention measures you've been doing, such as washing your hands, wearing a mask, staying six feet apart, and limiting gatherings.
How much will it cost to be vaccinated?
There will be no cost to get the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of insurance status. In early December, Gov. Ducey issued an Executive Order that ensures Arizonans can receive the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge for as long as the state's public health emergency declaration is in effect.
Will a vaccine end the pandemic?
No, a vaccine will not end the pandemic by itself. A safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 will be a major breakthrough in preventing COVID-19 infections but needs to be used in combination with other prevention measures until enough people have immunity (either from a vaccine or a past infection). Even after a vaccine is available, it will be necessary to continue with the core COVID-19 safety precautions including limiting activities outside the home, physical distancing, and mask wearing for the foreseeable future as we learn more about how long the protection lasts and as more people become protected through vaccination over time.
Santa Cruz County Health Department
Covid-19 Testing
*****NEW HOURS OF OPERATION*****
Location: 275 Rio Rico Dr., Rio Rico, AZ 85648
Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm.
Appointment phone: 520-604-9321
FREE COVID-19 TESTING!!
WALK-INS WELCOME.
APPOINTMENTS APPRECIATED.
Forms are available here. We recommend that you download and complete all of the forms, and bring them to your appointment. If you are not able to retrieve the forms from the website, please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow time to complete your paperwork. Please bring a government form of identification.
****Additional Information:
Once positive, retesting is not recommended for the following 3 months. If you had a positive result in the last 3 months, you may still test positive, despite having recovered, and no longer being contagious. Re-testing to obtain a negative result for the purposes of returning to work is not recommended.
Per CDC guidance:
Considerations for who should consider getting tested:
- Vaccinated and Non Vaccinated people who have symptoms of COVID-19.
- Non-Vaccinated people who have had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with someone with confirmed COVID-19
- Vaccinated people who are symptomatic and have been exposed to a person positive for Covid-19.
- People who have been advised to get tested by their healthcare provider, or health department.
Not everyone needs to be tested, but if a test is warranted due to exposure or symptoms, you should self-quarantine or isolate at home pending test results, and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.
Currently, results are usually obtained within 24 to 48 hours, but the timeframe can increase based on the capacity of the laboratory, laboratory procedures, and holidays.
OTHER TESTING OPTIONS:
Mariposa Community Health Center - Locations in Nogales, Rio Rico, and Patagonia. Phone: 520-281-1550
NextCare Urgent Care - 298 W. Mariposa Rd. #2, Nogales, AZ. Phone: 520-394-7388
Holy Cross Hospital - 1171 W. Target Range Rd., Nogales, AZ. Phone: 520-285-3000
Local pharmacies.
COVID-19 CASE COUNT INFORMATION UPDATE
As of 6/24/2021 Santa Cruz County has had a total of 8,040 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Community transmission is present in Santa Cruz County. Please take adequate precautions if you leave your home and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Arizona level of community COVID-19 spread –Widespread
Arizona Community Risk -Increasing with some areas of heightened risk.
Current Santa Cruz County COVID-19 Case Information | |||||
| Total Cases | 8,040 | Cases Recovered | 5,285 | ||
| Gender | |||||
| Female | 4,329 | Male | 3,706 | Unknown | 5 |
| Case Breakdown by Age | |||||
| 0-19 | 1335 (17%) | ||||
| 20-44 | 3081 (38%) | ||||
| 45-64 | 2474 (31%) | ||||
| 65 and up | 1141 (14%) | ||||
| Age Unknown | 9 (0.12%) | ||||
| Total hospitalizations to date: | 576 | ||||
| Total Number of Deaths | 180 | ||||
| Deaths by Age | |||||
| 0-19 | |||||
| 20-44 | 3 (1.7%) | ||||
| 45-64 | 44 (24%) | ||||
| 65 and up | 133 (74.1%) | ||||
| Age Unknown | |||||
Current Cases in Arizona |
Updated 6/24/2021 |
The information above represents cases reported and verified by Santa Cruz County Health Services by 5:00 P.M. Cases received after 5:00 P.M. will be included on the next day’s totals. Totals may vary slightly from those found on the Arizona Dept. of Health Services website. |
COVID-19 spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough, runny nose, or difficulty breathing. Those considered at highest risk for contracting the virus are individuals with travel to an area where the virus is spreading, or individuals in close contact with a person who is diagnosed as having COVID-19. Public health officials are working with anybody who may have been exposed.
Public health officials are advising residents that flu and other respiratory diseases are circulating in the community, and are recommending everyone get a flu shot and follow basic prevention guidelines.
If you have recently traveled to an area where COVID-19 is circulating, and have developed fever with cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or have had contact with someone who is suspected to have 2019 novel coronavirus, please stay home. Most people with COVID-19 develop mild symptoms. If you have mild symptoms, please do not seek medical care, but do stay home and practice social distancing from others in the household where possible. If you do have shortness of breath or more severe symptoms, please call your health care provider to get instructions before arriving.
Help Control the Spread of COVID-19
- 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 containing at least 60% 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.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
South32 and Local First Arizona Small Business Relief Fund
South32 and Local First Arizona have partnered to serve as many small businesses and entrepreneurs in need as possible. Micro-entrepreneurs in Santa Cruz County that are struggling to surmount the financial impact of the novel coronavirus may apply for funds to cover business expenses, employee salaries, and other operation-related costs.
South32 and Local First Arizona Small Business Relief FundCOVID-19 Hotline
A COVID-19 hotline has been set up to answer any questions from the public and healthcare providers about testing, symptoms, and any other questions you have about the virus.
Call 1-844-542-8201 to reach a health care professional.
Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger — Amending the Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected Order
On May 12, 2020, Governor Doug A. Ducey announced that Arizona’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected Order would be ending on Friday May, 15, 2020. This will be replaced by the new Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger Executive Order, which takes effect on Saturday, May 16, 2020.
The new guidance for the next stage of economic recovery aligns with gating criteria that was issued by the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and aims to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 resurgence, protect vulnerable populations, and guide the reopening of businesses with enhanced physical distancing and safety measures in place. Arizona will gradually phase in formerly restricted operations through the months of May and June with policy that promotes social distancing, as well as encouraging social connectedness.
Under the new order:
- Testing availability and frequency will be ramped up,
- Tracking of key health metrics such as reported symptomatic cases and emergency room usage will be implemented,
- Surge hospital capacity will be stood up and used as needed,
- Statewide contact tracing will be expanded,
- Supply chains for PPE for frontline medical workers and emergency responders will be bolstered,
- Enhanced safety protocols to protect those living and working in high-risk facilities such as nursing homes will be implemented,
- Additional public health guidance for businesses and individuals to ensure continued physical distancing will be provided.
“Since the start of this pandemic, Arizona has taken a calm and steady approach to protecting health and slowing the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Ducey. “Today, our hospitals have capacity to provide care to those who need it; our businesses are implementing and adapting to new physical distancing measures; and data shows Arizona is headed in the right direction. It is time to move forward with the next steps of Arizona’s economic recovery — while continuing to make health and safety our number one priority. I’m grateful to all Arizonans for their partnership and cooperation during these trying times. By continuing to follow the data and recommendations of public health officials, we can continue to move forward safely and responsibly together.”
Arizona is now allowing barbers and cosmetologists, retail establishments, casinos, pools, gyms and fitness providers, and spas to reopen with physical distancing and enhance sanitation. Additionally, restaurants are able to offer dine-in services to customers.
Recommendations and Control Measures for Employees Exposed to COVID-19.
- Contact your local health department for questions in regard to:
- Potential exposure of COVID-19 in the workplace.
- If staff have tested positive for COVID-19, they should remain under home isolation precautions for 7 days from specimen collection OR until 72 hours after fever is gone and symptoms of acute infection resolve, whichever is longer.
- If staff have tested negative for COVID-19 and have compatible symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), they should stay home from others until 72 hours after all symptoms of acute infection resolve.
- If staff have fever with cough or shortness of breath and have not been tested for COVID-19, they should stay home, away from others until 72 hours after fever is gone and symptoms for acute infection resolve.
- If staff have other non-compatible symptoms and have not been tested for COVID-19, they should stay home until 24 hours after all symptoms are gone without the use of medicine.
- At this time, a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness should not be required to validate their illness or to return to work, as healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely way.
- Business and Community Guidance
- Testing Questions
- Protect Yourself
- Resources
- Press Releases
- COVID-19 FAQ
- Printable Materials
Rental Assistance
ADOH has partnered with SEACAP (the Southeastern Arizona Community Action Program) to provide rental assistance to people in Santa Cruz County. Clink on he link below to apply for Rental Assistance
Rental Assistance Application Page
Arizona is here for you #AZTOGETHER
We are committed to making sure Arizonans have access to the resources they need as we work to get our state through the COVID-19 outbreak. We’re in this together.
For more information about COVID-19 in English or Spanish, dial 2-1-1.
If you need public assistance, email publicassistance@az.gov.
Emergency Services
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, help is available immediately. Click here for help or talk to someone now by calling 1.800.799.7233 or texting "LOVEIS" to 22522.
Small Business Administration Hotline 1-800-659-2955
Community Guidance
Questions about Testing
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently expanded the criteria for testing of individuals who, through the appropriate consideration of a physician, should be tested for COVID-19.
In Arizona, the supply of test kits to conduct these tests is limited and only the AZ State Public Health Laboratory and some commercial laboratories are capable of conducting the test. Until there are enough test supplies and sites available to support wider-spread testing, health care facilities in Santa Cruz County are using the following assessment to determine the urgency for testing in three categories related to their contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, high risk travel, or highly severe symptoms:
| People with | Fever1 OR signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough or shortness of breath) NOTrequiring hospitalization | who | have had close contact3 with Any person, including healthcare workers2, with a laboratory-confirmed4 COVID-19 patient within 14 days of symptom onset. |
| People with | Fever1 AND signs/symptoms of a lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough or shortness of breath) NOT requiring hospitalization in a person with a high-risk occupation* OR who lives in a congregate setting† | who | No source of exposure has been identified |
| People with | Fever1 AND severe acute lower respiratory illness (e.g., pneumonia, ARDS) requiring hospitalization, radiographic confirmation of bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, & without alternative explanatory diagnosis (negative respiratory viral panel) 5,6 | who | No source of exposure has been identified |
| 1 Fever may be subjective or confirmed. 2 For healthcare personnel, testing may be considered if there has been exposure to a person with suspected COVID-19 without laboratory confirmation 3 Close contact is defined at the CDC website: 4 Documentation of laboratory-confirmation of 2019-nCoV may not be possible for travelers or persons caring for patients in other countries. 5 Category includes single or clusters of patients with severe acute lower respiratory illness (e.g., pneumonia, ARDS) of unknown etiology in which COVID-19 is being considered 6 Also consider testing for Coccidioidomycosis and Legionella *Healthcare personnel, school personnel, childcare worker, jail/prison personnel, or other similar occupation †Jail/prison, long-term care facility or nursing home, university, or other similar setting | |||
If you have respiratory illness symptoms but do not fit into the categories above, you should do the same thing we should always do when we are sick:
- Stay home from work or school
- Get plenty of rest
- Stay hydrated with clear liquids
- Limit contact with other members of your household
- Keep your home clean using approved cleaning products
- Contact your doctor immediately if your symptoms get worse
Know How it Spreads
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Take steps to protect yourself
Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take steps to protect others
Stay home if you’re sick
Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface. Follow all manufacturers instructions (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.)
Cleaning options:
Diluted household bleach - mix: 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with any other cleaner, especially ammonia, vinegar, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
Alcohol solutions - ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
Other common household disinfectants - retail cleaning products such as wipes and sprays that contain EPA-approved ingredients should be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder-to-kill viruses.
Social Distancing Recommendations
As local social distancing recommendations change, we will provide updates and links to more information here:
March 15, 2020 - AZ Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman Announce Closure Of Arizona Schools
Statewide closure of Arizona schools from Monday, March 16, 2020 through Friday, March 27, 2020. Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman will work with education officials and public health officials to reassess the need for the school closures and provide further guidance through March 27, 2020.
March 15, 2020 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Issues New Mass Gatherings Guidance
CDC guidance recommends the cancellation of non-essential large gatherings of more than 10 people for the next 8 weeks. This recommendation does not apply to the day to day operation of organizations such as businesses.
CDC also recommends that individuals older than 60 years of age and those with chronic medical conditions should not attend gatherings of more than 10 people, or be around anyone with symptoms of illness, due to their high risk of severe COVID-19 disease.
2-1-1 Arizona
If you need assistance finding food, paying house bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, dial 211, search on the homepage of 211Arizona.com or download the 211 Arizona app.
Arizona 2-1-1
Business Resources
SAFEST OUTSIDE RESTAURANT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Coronavirus Prestamos de Emergencia
Federal Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Small Business Administration
Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center
State Resources
ARIZONA SMALL BUSINESS RENT AND MORTGAGE RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM
AZ Department of Health Services
AZ Department of Education K-12 School Updates/Resources
First Things First, Tips for talking to kids about Coronavirus
Education
At Home Learning for Kids
FUTURE U, from Boeing and Discovery Education
March 31, 2020
Third Confirmed COVID-19 Case Press Release
Comunicado de prensa del tercer caso de COVID-19 confirmado
March 25, 2020
Second Confirmed COVID-19 Case Press Release 3-25-20 (UPDATED)
Comunicado de prensa del segundo caso de COVID-19 confirmado 25-3-2020 (actualizado)
Second Confirmed COVID-19 Case Press Release
Comunicado de prensa del segundo caso de COVID-19 confirmado
March 19, 2020
First Positive COVID-19 Case Press Release
Comunicado de prensa del primer caso de COVID-19 confirmado
What is the coronavirus disease 2019?
COVID-19 (previously known as 2019 novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV), is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
It is part of a larger family of viruses called coronavirus, some of which are in circulation normally and can cause illnesses like the common cold. See the “About the Virus” section of this FAQ for more about this family of viruses. You can learn more about coronavirus disease 2019 at the CDC website.
Has anyone in the United States been infected?
Yes. Monitoring and testing are ongoing across the United States. A current case count table is available on the CDC website.
Am I at risk for COVID-19 infection in the United States?
Currently, risk to the public in Santa Cruz County is low. This is a rapidly-evolving situation and the risk assessment may change daily. Please visit the CDC website for the most up-to-date national information.
Should I be tested for COVID-19?
If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after travel from an affected area, you should call ahead to a healthcare provider and mention your recent travel. Public health will work with your healthcare provider to get you tested if recommended.
Individuals who are being monitored by public health will be given specific recommendations to seek care for testing for COVID-19, if needed.
How can I protect myself?
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 throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. See the "Protect Yourself" tab for more detailed information.
What if I recently traveled to an affected area and got sick?
If you were in a place with community spread of COVID-19 and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within 14 days after you left that area, you should contact a healthcare provider. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms.
Still have questions? Find more answers here:
AZ Department of Health Services Frequently Asked Questions
Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention Frequently Asked Questions