Global and national COVID-19 cases have increased over the last several weeks, and now that trend is occurring in Arizona, too. While our state is not currently experiencing a surge to the degree other locations are experiencing right now, we have recently seen a shift of COVID-19 spread in the state in the wrong direction. [...]
Although a COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available, public health professionals across Arizona and around the country are already hard at work laying the groundwork for efficient and inclusive allocation and distribution of the vaccine. We don’t know when and how the vaccine is coming, quite yet. But based on lessons learned with the 2009 [...]
I’m guessing that your children, like mine, have asked the same panicked questions as Oct. 31 approaches: Will there be trick-or-treating this Halloween? What about other fun? To these kiddos and their parents, I’m pleased to say that trick-or-treating can be done safely, but it’s no time to let down your guard since COVID-19 is [...]
As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, we track important outcomes to identify the course of the disease. Hospitalization is one of those metrics that can provide additional information to public health officials to target interventions and identify groups at higher risk for more severe disease. We track hospitalization in several ways: Using syndromic [...]
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on many stressors, including emotional hardships, that can impact the overall health and mental well-being of Arizonans. While measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as physical distancing, are necessary, it has never been more important for us to stay connected to the people we care about. Feelings [...]
Over the next couple of days, Arizona will be adding a significantly higher number of cases than our recent average. This is a result of advancements in testing, and includes recently classified positive antigen cases dating back over the previous several months. In late August, a fourth antigen test was authorized by the Food and [...]
This is the third week of National Preparedness Month, and this week’s theme is “Prepare for Disasters.” Depending on where you live, you might face a variety of different hazards. Common types of disasters in Arizona include wildfires, flooding, power outages, and severe storms. Knowing which type of disasters are most likely to affect you [...]
The offseason is over, the virtual draft has concluded, and the NFL season has finally kicked off. This weekend, many Arizonans may have plans to enjoy the Cardinals’ opening game against the 49ers. While you’re cheering on our home team, remember you are safer at home. If you do plan to watch the game with [...]
For week two of National Preparedness Month, we're reminding Arizonans to think about their disaster supplies. This week’s theme is Build a Kit. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is true for practicing healthy behaviors like being active, eating healthy, or getting vaccinated, but it’s [...]
Recently the American Academy of Pediatrics released a state data report on Children and COVID-19. The report highlights Arizona as one of eight states with the highest number of cumulative cases of COVID-19 in children. As the report acknowledges, one significant limitation of the data is how each state defines a ‘child.’ Arizona is one [...]
