Maricopa County COVID-19 Update
By: Maricopa County Government
Tags: Local Government, Public Health, Health, Covid 19, Covid 19 Crisis

The Maricopa County Joint Information Center is providing daily COVID-19 updates for members of the media and general public. This is the update for May 20, 2020.

LATEST INFORMATION

7,552 total confirmed COVID-19 cases; 13% hospitalized; 4% ICU

We have a demographic breakdown of cases and hospitalizations here.

AZ Reopening Guidance

Updated information on impacts to county services can be found here.

TODAY’S KEY MESSAGE: MARICOPA COUNTY APPROVES FIRST ROUND OF CARES ACT SPENDING TO HELP COMBAT COVID-19

HOW WILL CARES ACT MONEY BE SPENT?

Maricopa County received nearly $400 million in federal funds meant to aid coronavirus relief efforts. Today the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved the new round of spending of county CARES Act funds. Public Health, Medical Examiner, Parks and Recreation, and Superior Court all had funding approved today. Expenditures included in this round of spending include plexiglass shields, signage, and technology investments. The Board of Supervisors has developed a process for departments to submit expenditures for approval under the CARES Act.

HOSPITALIZATION RATES FALL

One month ago, 18% of all known positive COVID-19 cases in Maricopa County required hospitalization. 6% required intensive care treatment. As more COVID-19 testing has become available, the hospitalization rate has fallen. Public Health data over the past few days shows 13% of Maricopa County residents with COVID-19 have required hospitalization, and 4% have gone to the ICU. This reflects more people with mild illness being tested. Public Health continues to emphasize that most people who get COVID-19 recover at home with fluids and plenty of rest.

LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY CASES AND TESTING

Residents of long-term care facilities are at higher risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection because 1) they live in a communal setting, and 2) they tend to be older with chronic medical conditions. Maricopa County Public Health is working to expand testing inside long-term care facilities, which include skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation facilities, hospice facilities, group homes, and other congregate settings to help identify and control infection in those settings.

SKILL-BUILDING FOR JOB SEEKERS

The Arizona Commerce Authority and Arizona@Work network have teamed up to create a central place where people can learn about no-cost job training opportunities.

Visit the Return Stronger Upskilling website >

Get career guidance and resources from Maricopa County Human Services Department >

COUNTY AGENCIES AT WORK

Library District

The Summer Reading Program starts on June 1! While physical county libraries are closed, participants are still encouraged to participate in a reading challenge.

SHAREABLE RESOURCES

Communications Toolkit (Including graphics, flyers, etc.)

TRUSTED SOURCES

Globally: World Health Organization

Nationally: CDC

State: ADHS

Locally: Maricopa County Public Health

QUESTIONS?

All information requests related Maricopa County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic should be directed to the Joint Information Center using the email address caomedia@maricopa.gov.