PHOENIX — The first positive case of coronavirus has been reported in Mohave County, it was announced Wednesday.
The total number of cases of COVID-19 in Arizona is at least 403, with six known coronavirus-related deaths.
The Mohave County Department of Public Health said the person is an adult who is not hospitalized and is recovering at home.
The case was confirmed by a private laboratory. Health officials are not releasing more information about the person's age or gender.
“With new cases increasing daily around the country and throughout Arizona, it is not surprising to see our first case here in Mohave County,” Denise Burley, director for MCDPH, said in a statement.
Staff members will interview close contacts of the individual, and recommend that each person monitor for symptoms and quarantine themselves for 14 days, based on the risk of exposure.
All bars, movie and stage theaters, indoor gyms and fitness clubs in Mohave County, including all those in the incorporated cities of Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City and Kingman, closed to the public until further notice.
All restaurants must close onsite dining but may continue to provide pick-up, delivery and drive-thru service.
Cafeterias at nursing homes, hospitals, and similar facilities, as well as any soup kitchens that provide meals to the needy, are not subject to these restrictions, but should take strict precautions to ensure social distancing and appropriate hygiene.
“These restrictions are mandated by the governor and will be strictly enforced. We are a strong, determined, and committed county. We are all in this together and we will get through this together," Mohave County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jean Bishop said in a statement.
Here's the breakdown of cases county-by-county:
- Maricopa County: 251
- Pinal County: 23
- Pima County: 49
- Coconino County: 23
- Navajo County: 37
- Apache County: 7
- Cochise County: 2
- Graham County: 2
- Santa Cruz County: 1
- Yavapai County: 4
- Yuma County: 3
- Mohave County: 1
COVID-19 is believed to be primarily spread through coughs or sneezes.
It may be possible for the virus to spread by touching a surface or object with the virus and then a person touching their mouth, nose or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main method of spread, the CDC says.
You should consult your doctor if you traveled to an area currently affected by COVID-19 and feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
There is no vaccine for the coronavirus, so the best way to prevent COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases is to:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
You can text FACTS to 602-444-1212 to receive more information on the coronavirus and to ask questions.
