Arizona COVID-19 cumulative counts, Dec. 14
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Select regional and national coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic as of Monday, April 13, impacting Arizona. For more coverage, visit our resource page. This story may be updated.
Arizona releases demographic information on virus deaths
AP, April 12
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona has begun releasing more detailed demographic information about the spread of the coronavirus.
The information released Sunday suggests a heavy toll among the elderly, men and Native Americans. Also on Sunday, health officials released infection data by zip code along with the statewide availability of health care resources including ventilator breathing machines.
Deaths linked to the pandemic increased to 115 statewide as confirmed infections rose to 3,539. Men accounted for 63% of the death toll.
Pima health official: Economy not reopening soon
AZPM, April 13
Restarting Pima County's economy won't happen anytime soon, according to the county's health director. In a video released Monday, Dr. Bob England says if we abandon strict social distancing measures too early, the pandemic will go on even longer.
"We've already paid an enormous price to get where we are. It would be a real shame to pay that price and not reap the benefit," England said.
England said several conditions have to be met before economic activity can resume. Those include slowing rates of infection, widespread testing, aggressive contact tracing to find and isolate infected people, and having adequate supplies and equipment for health care providers.
None of those steps are in place yet.
Arizona hospitals, health care providers receive relief money
AZPM, April 13
Arizona health care providers and hospitals received a combined $707 million from the CARES Act, the coronavirus relief package passed by Congress and signed by the president. The emergency funds from the federal government are supposed to be electronically deposited into the accounts of doctors and hospitals. The amount of money given to each health care provider is based on that provider’s share of Medicare-for-fee service reimbursements in 2019.
It is up to the health care provider to determine how the money is used.
Many hospitals, especially those in rural areas, took financial losses due to Gov. Doug Ducey’s order suspending elective surgeries. Those procedures are considered big money makers for many facilities.
Tucson homeless shelter for women adapts services during outbreak
AZPM, April 13
The new coronavirus has forced Sister José Women’s Center to change how it serves women experiencing homelessness in Tucson.
The center postponed the majority of its day-program activities and closed its night shelter to new residents. Executive Director Jean Fedigan said when she closed the shelter in late March, she told the people sleeping there on the last night they could stay, if they seclude themselves. Fedigan said 21 women are sheltering in place and social distancing at the center, but in order to keep the center open and virus-free, she promised Pima Country to isolate the group.
Sonora implements stay-at-home order
Fronteras Desk, April 13
To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, state and local leaders in neighboring Sonora, Mexico have agreed to implement a strict stay-at-home order until at least April 30. The new measures are among the most severe in Mexico.
Sonorans could be fined, forcibly returned to their homes or arrested if they are caught outside without one of six permitted reasons, which include such as buying groceries, receiving medical care, going to the bank or jobs deemed essential, returning home or caring for an elderly or vulnerable person.
Virus closes some meat plants, raising fears of shortages
AP, April 13
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The new coronavirus has sickened workers at meat processing plants across the country, forcing some massive operations to close at least temporarily.
That's raising concerns that there could soon be shortages of beef, pork and poultry in supermarkets. The meat supply chain is especially vulnerable since processing is increasingly done at massive plants. That means the closure of even a few big ones can quickly be felt by customers.
While company owners promise to deep clean their plants and resume operations as quickly as possible, it’s a difficult task to keep workers healthy given how closely they work together.
Abortion clinics: Pandemic boosts demand, heightens stress
AP, April 13
NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus outbreak has fueled attempts to ban abortions in some states.
Where the procedure remains available, some abortion providers are reporting increased demand. They describe patients who are distraught over economic stress and health concerns linked to the outbreak. Some clinics are seeing patients who traveled hundreds of miles from Texas, which has banned abortions during the pandemic.
A clinic doctor in Chicago says one recent patient was a teen who drove all the way from Texas with her mother. And a clinic in Wichita, Kansas, says it performed nearly three times as many abortions last month as it did in March 2019.
Lockdowns cut driving and crashes, bring insurance discounts
AP, April 13
Apr 13, 2020 2:47PM (GMT 21:47) DETROIT (AP) — People are driving less due to stay-at-home orders to stop the coronavirus from spreading, and consumer groups say that should mean lower auto insurance premiums.
Some companies have responded, but the Consumer Federation of America reports that discounts may be too small and aren’t being applied evenly.
In New York and Washington states, the number of traffic crashes fell by 30% last month. The federation says that means lower costs to insurance companies that should be passed on to consumers. The group suggests calling your insurer and commenting on social media if they don't offer discounts.
Arizona lawmakers recess but continue receiving per diem pay
AP, April 12
PHOENIX (The Arizona Republic) — Members of the Arizona Legislature have recessed indefinitely to slow the spread of COVID-19, but lawmakers will continue to receive per diem payments.
The Arizona Republic reported House and Senate staff confirmed that while in-person meetings have ended, legislators will receive payments meant to help cover food, lodging and other expenses while the Legislature meets. The payments are in addition to their $24,000 salaries. The daily rate is $35 for Maricopa County lawmakers and $60 for those who commute from elsewhere. Payments will continue through May 11 unless lawmakers opt out or the Legislature adjourns for the year before then.
Pandemic Brings Mexican Doctors Stress, Mobbing — And Aggression
Fronteras Desk, April 10
MEXICO CITY — Doctors all over the world are suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as they work to stop the coronavirus pandemic. And in Mexico, many are facing similar mental health problems — as well as harassment inside and outside of their hospitals.
Amparo Vera represents Mexico’s National Assembly of Resident Doctors. She said low salaries, work overload, overtime and workplace harassment have affected the mental health of Mexican doctors for years, but the pandemic is making it worse.
“We have to work with less personnel, more hours, without the right equipment,” Vera said.
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