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Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Special Edition News for Coconino County District 2

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2020 • Comments Off

March 16, 2020

Coconino County Government

ELIZABETH C. ARCHULETA

Supervisor, District 2

Special Edition

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Coconino County and COVID-19 Prevention

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS), in collaboration with state and federal health officials, is closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, COVID-19. CCHHS continues to work with our local partners to ensure our communities are prepared in this situation. Coconino County does not have any COVID 19 cases identified at this time.

The immediate risk of COVID-19 infection to people in the United States is believed to be relatively low for individuals who have not traveled to China or have not been in close contact with someone who is under evaluation for COVID-19 infection. However, it’s important to note that current global circumstances suggest it is likely that this virus will continue to spread. As community spread is detected in more and more countries, the need for local preparedness is emphasized.

Coconino County Health and Human Services recommends that everyone take steps to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. Below is a chart that may help with prevention.

County COVID-19 Drive Up Swab Testing

Coconino County established a drive-up COVID-19 specimen collection facility at Fort Tuthill. The site will be available for swab testing beginning Tuesday, March 17, hours for drive-up testing will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An order from a medical provider is required for testing. Testing sites are not open to the public and people without proper documentation will be turned away. Once complete, the specimen will be taken to a test site for COVID-19 testing.

Northern Arizona Health Care will initially support the collection process and materials needed to obtain specimens. Coconino County Public Works will assist with traffic control. Coconino County Parks & Recreation will support facility operations. Coconino County Health and Human Services and the Incident Management Team will provide support for the entire collection process and the Coconino County Sheriff will provide security.

The County has established a COVID-19 Information Line from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily for people who have questions. The Information Line number is (928) 679-7300. People can also email questions to: COVID19Information@coconino.az.gov.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. As a reminder, CCHHS recommends taking these actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

Get a seasonal flu shot
Wash hands frequently.
Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
Avoid contact with people who are sick.
Cover your mouth with your upper sleeve or with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Stay home when you are sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Additional preparedness information from the Center of Disease Control can be found here and information from Arizona Department of Health Services here.