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COVID-19 Page
Public Health Director's Most Recent Updates:
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December 3rd Updates
December 3, 2021 – 3:00 PM
By now much of the world has heard of the new SARS-CoV-2 variant, identified as "Omicron." Moving through the Greek alphabet, we have seen the alpha, beta and delta variants that created COVID infections and likewise, we are seeing another wave of infections with Omicron. The first sequenced Omicron case was reported from Botswana on November 11, 2021. On December 2nd, researchers from the South African Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis published an online article stating early indications reveal that Omicron is likely highly transmissible. This was based on the way cases increased rapidly in South Africa with researchers indicating the average number of COVID cases per day was 280 in the week before Omicron was detected. Then cases increased to 800 per day with Omicron being the principal variant identified. COVID in which Omicron was sequenced have now been identified in multiple states through the United States. Although there has been no formal identification of Omicron in Arizona, it is highly likely that the variant is here but has not yet been detected. Preliminary clinical information from healthcare professionals on the front lines in South Africa suggests initial symptoms are mild and some individuals are asymptomatic. Early findings indicate that reinfections are possible. Reinfection is defined as having a COVID positive test 90 days apart. The suggestion is to continue current public health mitigation measures. Please note that anyone travelling should check both departure and destination regulations as well as the CDC regulations for travel.
See the following link:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
We will update as more information becomes available.
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December 1st Updates
December 1, 2021 – 4:00 PM
The CDC announced today that the new COVID variant, Omicron, has been identified in the United States in a traveler returning from South Africa to California.
See link:
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1201-omicron-variant.html
It is noted that the individual was vaccinated and the person's symptoms are currently described as "mild." It is recommended that anyone who feels ill, please get tested and if positive for COVID, please stay home from school, work and other public places for a minimum of 10 days.
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November 29th Updates
November 29, 2021 – 11:00 AM
On 11/26/21,The World Health Organization (WHO) listed Omicron, also known as B.1.1.529, as a COVID "variant of concern." There are some things we know about the new variant and other factors unknown. The ability of researchers to quickly identify variants has improved over time. This variant was quickly identified by researchers in South Africa who advise that the Omicron variant has "a large number of mutations" with some on the spike protein, suggesting "it emerged from a person(s) with a persistent infection." However, the number of mutations that a variant has does not necessarily mean it is more dangerous. One healthcare provider in South Africa has indicated the patients she treated had mild symptoms. Others, identified as "travelers" who have tested positive for the Omicron have appeared asymptomatic. What is unknown at this time is: how our immune systems will respond to this variant, if the variant will be mitigated by current vaccines and whether it has greater transmissibility. We also don't know what factors in the environment (where the variant first emerged) may have played a part in the development of the variant (i.e. vaccination rates, health of the community, etc.).
Because we know that COVID variants will continue to emerge over time, we must continue to take care of our health and keep our immune systems strong. Eat healthy, exercise and take good care of both your physical and emotional health. As we enter this holiday season, see the CDC link for protecting your health:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html
Please see the following CDC link for more information on Omicron:
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1126-B11-529-omicron.html
We will continue to update this site as more information becomes available.
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November 24th Updates
November 24, 2021 – 11:00 AM
This Thanksgiving, as we reflect on things we are grateful for, I am thankful for the many blessings of family, friends and the opportunity to live and work in Pinal County where despite times of hardship, our communities foster care and connection. I am grateful to be part of our dedicated Pinal County Public Health Team. From those that focus on food and nutrition to case managers and nurses staying late taking extra time and care with vulnerable patients, to those that transport our patients, answer our phones, to those delivering supplies and those studying even the tiniest mosquitos in an effort to prevent the spread of disease. To our accounting and office specialists. To those offering preventative health education in schools and communities. To all who continue to work tirelessly during this pandemic. These are but a few of our talented and committed members of our Pinal County Public Health Team. Thank you to each and every one of you. Know that the work you do is valued and makes a difference to individuals, families and our Pinal County communities.
With Gratitude For Your Efforts,
Tascha Spears, Ph.D., M.sc., RN
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November 22nd Updates
November 22, 2021 – 11:00 AM
COVID-19 vaccine boosters are now available to everyone 18 and older who are at least six months past their second Pfizer or Moderna dose. Boosters are also available to everyone 18 and older at least two months after receiving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine.
See the news announcement from ADHS here:
https://www.azdhs.gov/director/public-information-office/index.php#news-release-111921
To find a COVID-19 vaccine location near you, go to
www.vaccines.gov
or call ADHS at 1-844-542-8201 (select option 8). If you would like to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine at one of our public health clinics, please call our Central Appointment Desk at (866) 960-0633.
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November 18th Updates
November 18, 2021 – 4:00 PM
Since January 2021, there have been 6 deaths related to COVID-19 among Pinal County youth
ages 7-19. Three of these have occurred since the end of September. Similar to adults, children
with at least one comorbidity such as obesity, asthma or immunocompromised conditions are at
higher risk for severe complications from COVID.
Our condolences to the families, friends and school communities that have suffered losses related
to COVID-19. If you or someone you know is in need of emotional support, there are resources
available:
Call
the Southern Arizona Crisis hotline at 1-866-495-6735
or 2-1-1 for free COVD-19 crisis counseling
Or visit:
Pinal County Public Health website community resources page:
https://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/publichealth/CoronaVirus/Pages/communitysupport.aspx
School personnel seeking assistance can contact Jan Vidimos with the Public Health School
Liaison Program at 520-866-7317 or email [email protected]
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is now available for individuals 5 years and older. COVID-19
vaccines are accessible at many provider sites throughout Pinal County, including Public Health
Clinics, pharmacies, and health care offices.
Those who would like to receive a COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to visit
www.vaccines.gov
or call ADHS at 1-844-542-8201 (select option 8). You can also visit our website or social media accounts for mobile COVID-19 vaccination site locations.
With Gratitude For Your Efforts,
Tascha Spears, Ph.D., M.sc., RN
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November 12th Updates
November 12, 2021 – 3:00 PM
November 11th was a day for us to stand together and honor our veterans, service members and their families. We reflect on the tremendous physical, mental and emotional toll that can come with serving our country and protecting our freedoms. The pandemic has further contributed to stressors in our lives.
Emotional support for all veterans, service members and their families can be found through a free 24/7 confidential resource at:
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
This website provides options for connecting online or texting. To reach support via phone, please call 1-800-273-8255 and press option 1.
With Gratitude For Your Efforts,
Tascha Spears, Ph.D., M.sc., RN
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November 9th Updates
November 9, 2021 – 3:00 PM
We have received a number of calls asking where PCR saliva testing for COVID can be completed instead of testing using the naso/pharyngeal swab. Saliva tests are collected at various sites established by ASU. The closest ones to many of us are in Mesa and Tucson.
For a complete list, click on the following link and select "register for public testing" to see all of the locations:
https://biodesign.asu.edu/research/clinical-testing/testing
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