There is a lot of news regarding the coronavirus in Arizona.
In an effort to track the changes, 12 News has started a daily live blog.
Here is the live blog for Wednesday, April 15.
Major updates:
- There are now 3,962 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Arizona as of Wednesday morning.
- 142 people have died from the virus or complications related to the virus in Arizona, as of Wednesday morning.
- The state does not record how many people have recovered.
- Health department released expanded data regarding coronavirus cases in Arizona for the first time including ZIP codes of case locations. Scroll down for the ZIP code map.
- The IRS is now depositing coronavirus stimulus checks.
Need to know:
- Here's the national live blog for Wednesday, April 15
- Here’s how to get tested for coronavirus in Arizona
- Concern grows for people quarantined with abusers
- How to prepare for an unexpected hospitalization amid COVID-19 spread
There are now 3,962 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Arizona,142 deaths
There are now 3,962 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Arizona, with 142 coronavirus-related deaths, according to the state's latest numbers.
Cases are up from 3,806 confirmed cases on Tuesday with 131 deaths.
One week ago, there were 2,726 cases and 80 deaths in Arizona.
Here's a county breakdown:
- Maricopa: 2,146
- Pima: 700
- Pinal: 182
- Coconino: 266
- Navajo: 390
- Apache: 110
- Mohave: 45
- La Paz: 5
- Yuma: 18
- Graham: 2
- Cochise: 15
- Santa Cruz: 12
- Yavapai: 66
- Gila: 3
- Greenlee: 2
Arizona releases ZIP code locations of coronavirus cases, demographics
The Arizona Department of Health Services released expanded data points regarding coronavirus cases in Arizona on Sunday for the first time.
The AZDHS website now features the location of confirmed cases in Arizona by zip code. Additionally, demographics including race and ethnicity on confirmed coronavirus-related deaths, hospital information and more are being reported by the state.
You can see the current ZIP code map below and can find yours by clicking around or searching for your ZIP code in the top right of the map.
AZDHS also released demographics on the coronavirus-related deaths in Arizona up to this point. As of Wednesday morning, 60% of the 142 deaths have been men.
Data shows 39% of deaths in Arizona have been white/non-Hispanic individuals, 21% have been Native Americans, 11% have been Hispanic.
AZDHS shows the race/ethnicity are unknown in 23% of the deaths.
In terms of testing numbers, AZDHS shows 44,096 people have been tested in Arizona.
Since testing began in February, 92% of tests returned negative and 8% positive.
AZDHS shows how many tests have been conducted in each county on the map above.
Navajo Nation confirms 921 positive cases, establishes burial assistance program
The Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Area Indian Health Service have confirmed an increase of 83 cases since Tuesday, bringing the nation's total to 921.
"We are close to finalizing another public health order to implement 57-hour curfew for the remaining weekends for the month of April,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
Additionally, the Navajo Division of Social Services (DSS) announced today that it has established the Navajo Nation COVID-19 Burial Assistance. The assistance is geared towards assisting Navajo families with financial expenses and processes of burials.
Flagstaff receives $18.1 million federal grant for Flagstaff Pulliam Airport
The city of Flagstaff announced that it has received $18.1 million in grant funding for the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Part of the CARES Act distributes funding to airports to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The city stated the grant will be used to fund ongoing needs and capital projects at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.
Gov. Ducey issues executive order allowing food trucks at rest stops
State Governor Doug Ducey issued an executive order geared towards helping long-haul truckers keep the state supplied with food. The order allows food trucks to operate in eight Arizona Department of Transportation rest areas, which were previously prohibited from operating on the federally funded areas.
“Today’s order will allow long-haul truck drivers to buy nutritious food during their trips, and will help increase business for food trucks at this time,” Gov. Ducey said.
Mohave County health officials record 51 cases, state has 45
The Mohave County Health Department said it has 51 total cases of coronavirus in the county as of Wednesday.
There are now 18 positive confirmed cases in the Lake Havasu City area, including two earlier deaths, 29 in Kingman, and 4 in Bullhead City.
Health officials were notified Wednesday of two positive COVID-19 cases, one in the Lake Havasu City service area and another two in the Kingman service area.
Gila County reports five cases, state has three
Lyft launches Essential Deliveries program in Phoenix
Lyft launched its pilot program Essential Deliveries on Wednesday.
The program will allow government agencies, local nonprofits, businesses and healthcare organizations to request an on-demand delivery of meals, groceries, life-sustaining medical supplies, hygiene products and home necessities.
The program was also launched in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Orlando, San Francisco, San Diego, San Antonio and Seattle.
Arizona distributes more than $26.9 million in unemployment payments
The Arizona Department of Economic Security distributed more than $26.9 million in Unemployment Insurance payments to Arizonans last week.
That was a result of an unprecedented number of Arizonans applying for unemployment benefits for job losses related to the coronavirus outbreak.
An additional $55 million in benefits was distributed Monday to claimants that filed weekly certifications Sunday.
Claims for unemployment benefits due to COVID-19 have led to unprecedented volume for the department, including a record number of applications, benefits paid and calls received.
Arizona to light Capitol blue for health care workers, first responders
The Arizona Capitol and other buildings and structures around the state will be lit blue as a "symbol of support for Arizona’s frontline medical workers and emergency responders" battling COVID-19.
Buildings like the Arizona Capitol, executive tower, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson, State Farm at Tempe Town Lake and more will be lit blue.
“Arizona is immensely grateful to our frontline medical workers and all the men and women who have stepped up to keep others safe and healthy,” Gov. Doug Ducey said in a statement.
“They are heroes. Their efforts are saving lives, and Arizona salutes their service during this critical time.”
Judge mulls ordering online initiative signature gathering
A federal judge is considering whether backers of Arizona initiatives should be allowed to use the same electronic system used by candidates to get signatures to qualify for the ballot.
A lawyer for two groups backing statewide initiatives told U.S. District Judge Dominic Lanza on Tuesday that his clients' constitutional right to get initiatives on the ballot were being “severely burdened” by the coronavirus pandemic.
Attorney Jim Barton said collecting the 247,000 signatures needed to qualify by the July 2 deadline is virtually impossible.
The move is opposed by Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Lanza says he expects to rule this week.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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.
