Throughout the pandemic, public health has recommended wearing masks to reduce COVID-19 spread. All types of recommended masks, when worn properly and consistently, protect you and the community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its guidance to note that some masks offer greater protection than others, with certified N95 and KN95 [...]
This week, hospital medical leaders and I joined Dr. Richard Carmona, the 17th U.S. Surgeon General and special adviser to Governor Ducey on public health emergency preparedness, to share ways we can work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona. Hospitals are stretched thin dealing with seriously ill unvaccinated patients, while attending to [...]
The 5,070 COVID-19 cases added today to the ADHS dashboard don’t have an asterisk. COVID-19 cases are rising. We can’t say exactly why this increase is happening even before the holiday season, though cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to be largely among unvaccinated people. But we all know how to flatten the curve. That’s why [...]
After nearly two years, I don’t blame anyone for feeling done with the COVID-19 pandemic. The unfortunate truth, however, is the pandemic isn’t done with us. Recent case numbers bear this out. After coming down steadily after a peak in mid-August, cases statewide have increased from 14,511 in the week of Oct. 10 to 17,299 [...]
It’s a natural question that we hear regularly: Amid substantial COVID-19 spread, what does ADHS recommend for people going to large events, small gatherings, grocery stores, restaurants, and more? The answer is simple and no doubt frustrating to many: As much as we all want to be done with COVID-19, the pandemic isn’t done with [...]
There are many good reasons to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19. It protects you, your family, your friends, and your community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today offered another good reason: You no longer need to wear a mask for certain outdoor activities. Specifically, the CDC’s new guidance allows fully vaccinated individuals [...]
The arrival of winter visitors is a welcome indication of cooler days ahead. If you are a returning visitor or discovering our state’s cooler months, welcome! We want you to be safe and healthy while you're here, and we need your help to protect everyone this winter. With COVID-19 still active in our communities, I [...]
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. [...]
