Funding Will Be Used to Enhance Statewide Public Health Efforts to Slow the Spread of the Disease
Phoenix AZ (May 20, 2020) – The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) announced today that Arizona has been awarded $150 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. The funding for the grant is supported by the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act of 2020. The grant is in addition to the $28.6 million grants awarded in March and April, both from the CDC.
“The response to the COVID-19 outbreak is the top priority of ADHS and these funds will help us expand several critical aspects including testing, contact tracing, and disease surveillance,” said Dr. Cara Christ, ADHS director. “This additional funding will support the critical needs of Arizona public health departments as we work with our partners to augment activities to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19.”
ADHS and healthcare partners from around the state have expanded both diagnostic and serology testing. To date, 220,612 people have been tested in Arizona with 161,571 diagnostic tests and 59,041 serology tests. Diagnostic tests determine if a person is currently infected with the disease, and serology tests may indicate someone was previously infected with the disease. The Department is working with local public health departments to expand contact tracing, which helps to identify close contacts of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 so they can self isolate and prevent the spread of the disease to others.
With widespread community transmission of COVID-19 and increased testing ADHS expects to see more cases of COVID-19 reported in Arizona. As described in the Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger order issued by Governor Ducey on May 12, all individuals in public areas should continue to practice physical distancing. Those who are vulnerable, should continue to stay at home and avoid large crowds. ADHS encourages everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and their friends and family from this disease.
The best ways to prevent 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;
- 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; and
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Wear a cloth face covering when physical distancing is difficult to maintain.
For more information about the COVID-19 response in Arizona, go online to azhealth.gov/COVID19.
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