The COVID-19 Report for Nov 11, 2020

Arizona is experiencing an uncontrollable spread of the Coronavirus. We continue to see an increase in case counts, hospitalizations, ICU beds in use, and ventilators in use.

There were 1,402 cases reported yesterday for a total of 169,309 cases since January. The hospitalization rate is at 8% and ICU admissions are at 1%. The mask mandate remains in effect and face coverings are required in all enclosed public spaces.

Testing

The number of people seeking COVID-19 testing is on the rise again. Phoenix community partners are holding free COVID-19 testing sites on select dates. Pre-registration is required. Free to all community members.

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

Yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for the investigational Monoclonal Antibody Therapy bamlanivimab for the outpatient treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients.

The U.S. government has purchased 300,000 doses of bamlanivimab and committed that Americans will have no out-of-pocket costs for the medicine, although healthcare facilities may charge a fee for the product’s administration.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Pfizer and partner BioNTech said that their vaccine against Covid-19 was 90% effective. Although extremely 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 fluke or it could be a very powerful vaccine. 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