PHOENIX — 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 Saturday, March 28.
Big updates:
- There are now 773 confirmed cases of the virus in Arizona
- 15 people have died of the virus or complications related to the virus in Arizona
- Gov. Ducey signed a bipartisan state budget today which adds $50 million for pandemic response
Dignity Health launched a virtual urgent care service
A $2.2 trillion relief bill was signed by President Trump Friday.
- Gov. Ducey also joined us in the studio to answer your questions. You can watch the full discussion here.
- Limit access at Phoenix hiking trails begins
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.
Dignity Health launches virtual urgent care service
The health care company is now offering a free virtual urgent care service for anyone in Arizona experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19.
Go to the company's website for more information.
Phoenix limits access to hiking trails
Phoenix is limiting the number of people allowed at popular hiking trails to maintain social distancing.
To see a full list of affected areas, go to the city's website.
Free drive-in movies at Phoenix church
The Well Church at 4102 W. Greenway Road is providing free drive-in movie shows Saturday night. Two shows: one at 7:30 p.m. and one at 10 p.m. Stay in your car to practice social distancing.
Tucson mayor signs proclamation challenging Ducey's executive order
"In the absence of statewide action by @dougducey, I have decided to proceed with a new set of actions at the local level," Tucson Mayor Regina Romero tweeted Friday night.
Romero signed a proclamation ordering businesses not deemed "essential" to close effective 8 a.m. Saturday, March 28. The closures will remain in effect through April 17.
The proclamation also "strongly advises" that hair and nail salons, spas, barber shops and other "personal hygiene services" – which are defined in Ducey's executive order as essential – close to the public.
Tucson residents are urged to stay home except to get food, prescriptions, travel to work at an essential business or get some exercise.
Navajo Nation confirms 2 deaths, 92 cases
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Navajo Nation has reached 92 as of Friday, an increase of 21 cases from the day before. 73 of the cases are on Navajo territory in Arizona.
Officials also confirmed two coronavirus-related deaths. No further information was given about the people who died, but officials expressed their condolences to their families.
Gov. Ducey expands unemployment benefits
The state is waiving certain unemployment eligibility requirements. It expands benefits to those that have lost their wages because their employer closed temporarily.
Those that are self quarantining and those that left their job to care for family members are also eligible for benefits.
Read the full executive order here.
Gilbert shuts down amenities at public parks
Gilbert announced it would be closing the following amenities at all public parks starting at 8 a.m. Saturday:
- Playgrounds
- Freestone Skate Park
- Fenced dog areas at Crossroads and Cosmo Parks
- Splash pads
- Basketball courts
- Volleyball courts
- Tennis courts
- All of Gilbert Regional Park
- Drinking fountains
Support fund for furloughed ALBA workers
Crescent Crown Distributing, which sells brands like Miller and Coors, created a fund to help 12,600 furloughed employees of Arizona Licensed Beverage Association (ALBA) member businesses.
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.
