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COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
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
COVID-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.
UPDATE
as of 3/26/2020 12:12 P.M.
Santa Cruz County Health Services has received notification of a second (2nd) confirmed case of COVID-19. Bringing the total confirmed case count in Santa Cruz County to two (2) cases.
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 | 2 | Case Breakdown | ||
Newly Reported | 1 | Age Group | ||
Deaths | 0 | 0-17 | 0 | |
Gender | 18-40 | 1(50%) | ||
Female | 2 | 41-65 | 1(50%) | |
Male | 0 | 66 and up | 0 | |
Unknown | ||||
Current Cases in Arizona | ||||
Updated 3/26/2020- 12:00 P.M. | ||||
The information above represents cases reported and verified by Santa Cruz County Health Services by 5PM the previous day. Cases received after 5PM 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.
UPDATED RECOMMENDATIONS
3/25/2020 9:56 A.M.
- Effective close of business Friday, March 20, all restaurants in Arizona counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases are required to provide dine-out options only.
- Effective close of business Friday, March 20, all bars, movie theaters, and gyms in counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases are required to close.
- Halt all elective surgeries in the state of Arizona.
- If someone in your family has tested positive for COVID-19, keep the entire household at home and contact your medical provider.
- Expiration dates on Arizona driver licenses are delayed.
- Recommendations to cancel or postpone social gatherings of 10 or more people.
- State-wide closures of Arizona schools through April 10, 2020.
- Recommendations to cancel or postpone all social gatherings of 10 or more people.
- Recommend telework and other alternatives when available.
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
- Resources
- Press Releases
- COVID-19 FAQ
- Protect Yourself
- Testing Questions
- Printable Materials
Business and Restaurant Guidance
| Business Guidance | COVID-19 Restaurant Guidance |
| Small Business Administration | Food Service Sanitizing Guidance |
Small Business Administration Hotline 1-800-659-2955
Community Guidance
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
Federal Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Small Business Administration
Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center
State Resources
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
March 25, 2020
Second Confirmed Case Press Release 3-25-20 (UPDATED)
Comunicado de prensa del segundo caso confirmado 25-3-2020 (actualizado)
Second Confirmed Case Press Release
Comunicado de prensa del segundo caso confirmado
March 19, 2020
First Positive Case Press Release
Comunicado de prensa del primer caso 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
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.
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