Marina Reavis
Staff Reporter
Another week has gone by during the coronavirus pandemic and though it has been stressful, not much has changed since last time. Here is this week's update on the coronavirus.
The first question many ask is when we are reopening. Phoenix mayor says Arizona is not ready to open its doors by May 1. According to azfamily.com, Gallego tweeted, “In order for us to meet these metrics, we need more widespread testing, including asymptomatic individuals, and more robust contact-tracing programs." This means the quarantine is likely to continue for quite some time still. azfamily.com also reported that Governor Ducey has extended the quarantine till at least May 15th, but is slowly and progressively allowing businesses to open their doors as long as they follow social distancing requirements. Specific dates can be found here https://www.azfamily.com/news/continuing_coverage/coronavirus_coverage/gov-doug-ducey-extends-stay-at-home-order-through-may-15/article_42342594-8a68-11ea-9b4f-bba59b316f53.html
As of Wednesday, April 29, Arizona has 5,769 confirmed cases and 249 known deaths according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Also, Maricopa County is now approaching 3,000 coronavirus cases as we hit the projected peak of COVID-19 cases in Arizona. This is great news because according to Maricopa county’s medical director, the curve is starting to flatten, meaning that social distancing is working!
On the food side of things, all major grocery stores in Maricopa county are still open and many are still very cautious about following proper social distancing procedures. The CDC’s suggestions remain the same, and they continue to push the use of homemade cloth masks. The director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, Dr. Cara Christ, says, "What they are finding in the data is that people can be spreading the virus up to two days before they start showing symptoms. There is that asymptomatic spread. If you wear a mask when you are out in public you are less likely to expose others." (azcentral.com) To make your own stylish cloth mask click this link to the CDC site https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html, or go to Youtube to find a do-it-yourself video.
For those who need to see a doctor but are afraid of the coronavirus, here is what you should do. First off, only go if it is an emergency. Most hospitals should still be receiving any emergency victims even without coronavirus. If you do not have a critical issue, try postponing your appointment until after the pandemic. If the wait is too long, contact your doctor and see if you can do a virtual appointment. If you are going in to see your doctor it is critical to keep six feet between you and other patients as well as washing or sanitizing hands and avoiding contact with any object in the doctor's office. Try not to touch your face either.
Stay safe and informed about the novel coronavirus while maintaining self-quarantine. This may seem endless, but just by staying home, you are helping to flatten the curve on this pandemic.
Image Credit: Tom Gainor on Unsplash
Comments