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COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
COVID-19 CASE COUNT INFORMATION UPDATE
As of 12/2/2022 Santa Cruz County has had a total of 18,966 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Community transmission is present in Santa Cruz County. Please take adequate precautions if you leave your home and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Arizona level of community COVID-19 spread –Widespread
Arizona Community Risk -Increasing with some areas of heightened risk.
Current Santa Cruz County COVID-19 Case Information | |||||
| Total Cases | 18,966 | ||||
| Gender | |||||
| Female | 10,385 | Male | 8,542 | Unknown | 39 |
| Case Breakdown by Age | |||||
| 0-19 | 4724 (24.9%) | ||||
| 20-44 | 6729 (35.5%) | ||||
| 45-64 | 5005 (26.4%) | ||||
| 65 and up | 2477 (13%) | ||||
| Age Unknown | 31 (0.2%) | ||||
| Total hospitalizations to date: | 790 | ||||
| Total Number of Deaths | 242 | ||||
| Deaths by Age | |||||
| 0-19 | |||||
| 20-44 | 8 (3.4%) | ||||
| 45-64 | 61 (25.6%) | ||||
| 65 and up | 173 (71.0 %) | ||||
| Age Unknown | |||||
Current Cases in Arizona |
Updated 12/2/2022 |
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.
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 |
| Antigen | Rapid 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)
| |||
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
Know How it Spreads
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is spread mainly from person-to-person.
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Take steps to protect yourself
Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take steps to protect others
Stay home if you’re sick
Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface. Follow all manufacturers instructions (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.)
Cleaning options:
Diluted household bleach - mix: 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with any other cleaner, especially ammonia, vinegar, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
Alcohol solutions - ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
Other common household disinfectants - retail cleaning products such as wipes and sprays that contain EPA-approved ingredients should be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder-to-kill viruses.
Get Vaccinated
There are various COVID-19 vaccine options for ages 6 months and older. Santa Cruz County at the moment only provides three brands - Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. Look at the CDC link below to see a breakdown by age groups and when to get each recommended dose and boosters.
2-1-1 Arizona
If you need assistance finding food, paying house bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, dial 211, search on the homepage of 211Arizona.com or download the 211 Arizona app.
Arizona 2-1-1
Business Resources
SAFEST OUTSIDE RESTAURANT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Coronavirus Prestamos de Emergencia
Federal Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Small Business Administration
Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center
State Resources
ARIZONA SMALL BUSINESS RENT AND MORTGAGE RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM
AZ Department of Health Services
AZ Department of Education K-12 School Updates/Resources
First Things First, Tips for talking to kids about Coronavirus
Education
At Home Learning for Kids
FUTURE U, from Boeing and Discovery Education
December 27, 2021
March 19, 2020
First Positive COVID-19 Case Press Release
Comunicado de prensa del primer caso de COVID-19 confirmado
What is the coronavirus disease 2019?
COVID-19 (previously known as 2019 novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV), is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
It is part of a larger family of viruses called coronavirus, some of which are in circulation normally and can cause illnesses like the common cold. See the “About the Virus” section of this FAQ for more about this family of viruses. You can learn more about coronavirus disease 2019 at the CDC website.
Has anyone in the United States been infected?
Yes. Monitoring and testing are ongoing across the United States. A current case count table is available on the CDC website.
Am I at risk for COVID-19 infection in the United States?
Currently, risk to the public in Santa Cruz County is low. This is a rapidly-evolving situation and the risk assessment may change daily. Please visit the CDC website for the most up-to-date national information.
Should I be tested for COVID-19?
If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after travel from an affected area, you should call ahead to a healthcare provider and mention your recent travel. Public health will work with your healthcare provider to get you tested if recommended.
Individuals who are being monitored by public health will be given specific recommendations to seek care for testing for COVID-19, if needed.
How can I protect myself?
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.
- 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 throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. See the "Protect Yourself" tab for more detailed information.
What if I recently traveled to an affected area and got sick?
If you were in a place with community spread of COVID-19 and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within 14 days after you left that area, you should contact a healthcare provider. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms.
Still have questions? Find more answers here:
AZ Department of Health Services Frequently Asked Questions
Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention Frequently Asked Questions