COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) 

ATTENTION.  The Santa Cruz County Health Services testing and vaccination updates are below.   

English
Spanish
COVID Hours
COVID Stay Home when Sick


COVID-19 CASE COUNT INFORMATION UPDATE 

2020-2022 reported COVID-19 cases for Santa Cruz County is displayed in the graph below.

COVID ChartThe table below displays reported COVID-19 cases as of January 2023. It will be updated Monday-Friday.

Community transmission is present in Santa Cruz County. Take precautions as necessary. 

Current 2023 Santa Cruz County COVID-19 Case Information


Total Cases 
988
Total Hospitalizations 
42
Total Deaths 
  3

Current Cases in Arizona

Updated 09/29/2023

 Totals may vary slightly from those found on the Arizona Dept. of Health Services website.


Watch for Symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea.  These are some, but not all potential symptoms.

COVID-19 spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Those considered at highest risk for contracting the virus are individuals with travel to an area where the virus is spreading, or individuals in close contact with a person who is diagnosed as having COVID-19. 

How to Protect Yourself and others from COVID-19

  • Get Vaccinated and stay up to date on your Covid-19 vaccines
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  1. Testing Questions
  2. Protect Yourself
  3. Resources
  4. Press Releases
  5. COVID-19 FAQ
  6. Printable Materials

Questions about Testing

When should I get tested?

* If you feel sick, you should test immediately. If you receive a positive test, it is recommended you follow isolation guidelines and precautions. It is vital to remain isolated to avoid exposing others and spreading the virus. If you need help determining your isolation dates, here is the link to the isolation and exposure calculator. Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19 | CDC 

* If you were exposed to someone who tested positive, you may be considered a close contact. This means you were around them for 15 minutes or more, cumulatively, within six feet, during their contagious period. Close contacts are recommended to wait and test at least five days after their last exposure to the positive, this is to avoid a false negative and to receive an accurate result. Close contacts who become symptomatic should test immediately. 

What type of tests are available? 

PCR Usually performed at laboratories regardless of symptoms. They detect viral genetic material, which is why it can detect a positive for up to 90 days after you test positive. --->Results vary from a couple of hours to several days.
*Most reliable 
AntigenRapid tests that produce quick results. However, they are not as reliable especially for those who don't present symptoms.. Usually, a PCR is recommended as a follow-up to confirm negative result. --->Produce results within 15-30 minutes
Self-Tests (Home Tests)Can be taken anywhere and self-administered as long as FDA and manufacturer's instructions are followed. Any type of follow-up confirmatory testing is recommended (Antigen or PCR) to ensure test result. --->Produce results within 15-30 minutes. 
Testing for Antibodies 
(Antibody or serology tests) 
  • Antibodies in blood fight the virus that causes COVID-19 
  • Your immune system creates them after being infected or vaccinated against the virus 
  • Protection varies from person to person and is different for each disease 
  • Antibodies can take 1-3 weeks to show up 
  • Testing for antibodies SHOULD NOT be used to detect active/current infection 


If you have respiratory illness symptoms but do not fit into the categories above, you should do the same thing we should always do when we are sick:

  • Stay home from work or school
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Stay hydrated with clear liquids
  • Limit contact with other members of your household
  • Keep your home clean using approved cleaning products
  • Contact your doctor immediately if your symptoms get worse