There is a lot of news surrounding the coronavirus in Arizona.
In an effort to track the daily changes, 12 News has started a daily live blog. Here is the live blog for Sunday, March 29.
Big updates:
- There are now 919 confirmed cases of the virus in Arizona
- 17 people have died of the virus or complications related to the virus in Arizona
- Gov. Ducey signed a bipartisan state budget Saturday, which adds $50 million for pandemic response
- Arizona’s emergency management director resigns Saturday in apparent split over handling of coronavirus crisis
- A $2.2 trillion relief bill was signed by President Trump on Friday.
- The president also stated that distancing guidelines will be extended until April 30, two days after he said the nation should be open by Easter.
- Gov. Ducey also joined us in the studio to answer your questions. You can watch the full discussion here.
- The number of positive tests for COVID-19 has reached a total of 115 for the Navajo Nation as of Saturday. 94 of those cases are in Arizona (Navajo, Apache and Coconino counties).
RELATED: Here's how you can get tested for coronavirus.
RELATED: National coronavirus updates March 29
There are now 919 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Arizona, 17 deaths
The number of coronavirus cases across the state rose to 919, with 17 deaths as of Sunday morning, according to the state's official numbers. Cases are up from 773 confirmed cases on Saturday with 15 deaths.
The state initially reported 912 cases and 16 deaths at its 9 a.m. update Sunday morning, but numbers changed shortly after the update.
Here's a county breakdown:
- Maricopa: 546
- Pima: 153
- Pinal: 51
- Coconino: 62
- Navajo: 62
- Apache: 13
- Mohave: 6
- La Paz: 2
- Yuma: 5
- Graham: 2
- Cochise: 3
- Santa Cruz: 2
- Yavapai: 12
- Gila: 1
In Maricopa County, the age group that made up the most cases was 18-39, with 35%. Ages 40-59 has 32% of cases and 60+ had 33% as of Sunday morning.
There were three children between the ages of 0 and 17 who had coronavirus in Maricopa County.
Among Maricopa County cases, 105 were hospitalized and 38 were in the intensive care unit. Five people have died in Maricopa County.
Navajo Nation reaches 115 cases of coronavirus
The number of positive tests for COVID-19 has reached a total of 115 for the Navajo Nation as of March 28.
In total, 94 of those cases are in Arizona. (Navajo County 57, Apache County 18 and Coconino County 19).
There are two confirmed deaths in the Navajo Nation related to COVID-19.
The Arizona National Guard stated that they have sent a medical "go-team" to Tuba City and members to Chinle to set up 50 hospital beds.
President Jonathan Nez will host an online town hall meeting on Sunday, March 29 at 1:00 p.m. through Facebook and KTNN AM 660 to provide important updates on response efforts, number of cases, and supply needs.
President Nez will also announce the implementation of a curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily for the entire Navajo Nation that will go into effect on Monday morning.
Arizona’s emergency management director quits in apparent split over handling of coronavirus crisis
Arizona's emergency management director stepped down Saturday, in an apparent split with Gov. Doug Ducey’s top aides over their handling of the coronavirus crisis.
12 News has learned that Wendy Smith-Reeve, a 24-year veteran of the Division of Emergency Management, submitted her resignation Thursday night and it took effect Saturday afternoon.
Gov. Ducey signs state budget adding $50 million for pandemic response
The governor signed a new state budget today which adds $50 million dollars to "assist Arizonans needing eviction assistance, struggling small businesses, our food banks, and our homeless population," he said in a press release.
The budget also fully funds what the governor described as "essential services" such as child safety, public safety, teacher pay, schools, and prisons.
The governor's full signing statement can be seen here.
$2.2 trillion relief bill signed
The largest economic relief bill in U.S. history was signed into law Friday, paving the way for $2.2 trillion in aid. Some of that includes checks to American adults.
See how much you'll receive here.
Other stories from yesterday:
-Valley nurse shares what it's like to care for patients as coronavirus looms
-Defense attorneys across the Valley are trying to get their clients out of jails and prisons due to COVID-19
Other stories from the past week:
-Flooding closes emergency department at Phoenix hospital
-Arizona health leaders confirm not all COVID-19 swabs are tested for results
-Governor, state health director answer your coronavirus questions
-WATCH: National Guard troops haul goods to dozens of grocery stores across Arizona
-Phoenix Union HS District delivering groceries, clothes to low-income families
-Stop most coronavirus testing, Arizona's top health official tells doctors
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.
