COVID-19 Update for Nov 10th, 2020

More than 10 million Americans have tested positive for COVID-19. A million of those cases have been reported in the last 10 days alone. Nearly every state, including Arizona, is now experiencing an uncontrollable spread of the virus. Here in Arizona, we have seen another increase in case counts, hospitalizations, ICU beds in use, and ventilators in use. Predictive models indicate that Arizona could soon experience exponential growth of the virus if efforts are not taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Capacity

Currently, Arizona hospitals have the capacity to care for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. If the virus is not contained Arizona will reach full capacity and Field Hospitals will need to be setup.

Testing

The number of people seeking COVID-19 testing at the drive-thru location at the Arizona State Fairgrounds last week was up by 46% over the previous week. The Banner Health site provides testing for those with COVID-19 symptoms or concerns of exposure.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Pfizer and partner BioNTech said Monday that their vaccine against Covid-19 was 90% effective. Although extreamly good news it should be taken with a grain of salt. The test period was only over a 7 day period. This is not very much data. It could be a fluk or it could be a very powerful vacine. Without further testing we cannot know.

Even if it is approved it would be a year before you and I will get it. So do not let your guard down.

As the positivity rate in Arizona rises, so does the risk to you and your family. Please protect them and reduce the spread of COVID-19 by:

• Wearing a mask
• Putting at least 6 feet of distance between you and others
• Avoiding all gatherings
• Wash your hands frequently
• Wipe down high-touch surfaces frequently
• Staying home if you can
• Seek medical care if you suspect you have COVID-19