Arizona COVID-19 cumulative counts, Dec. 14
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Select regional and national coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic as of Thursday, May 14. For more coverage, visit our resource page.
UA President Robbins on return to classrooms
AZPM, May 14
The fall semester for the University of Arizona begins in a little more than 100 days, and President Robert Robbins still plans on having in-person classes.
He told AZPM, however, that the decision is nowhere near final until about 60 days from the start of classes and even then if the situation changes after that he will move classes back online.
Robbins said the university is still developing the final plan for reopening campus but he expects that everyone will be wearing masks while in class or in a university building.
Arizona restaurants face choice of whether, and how, to invite diners inside
AZPM Feature, May 14
Restaurants reopened this week across Arizona, but only vaguely resembling their pre-pandemic selves.
Dining rooms contain half as many tables, plexiglass barriers separate cashiers from patrons and taped markers dot the floor at 6-foot increments.
Restaurants across the state are now faced with a decision: Reopen and risk becoming the next conduit for the coronavirus, or face the financial austerity of remaining closed. Some don’t have a choice, but experts warn the revamped restaurant experience can only go so far in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Arizona reports 30 more deaths from coronavirus outbreak
AP, May 14
PHOENIX — Arizona health officials report an additional 30 deaths from the coronavirus outbreak, raising the statewide fatality total to 624 as of Thursday.
The Department of Health Services said there were 498 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases, for a statewide total of 12,674 as of Thursday. Of the deaths, 497 involved people of age 65 or older. The actual number of people infected is likely much higher because many with mild symptoms don’t seek testing and many who did were turned away for months because of a testing supply shortage. Of the deaths, 497 involved people of age 65 or older.
Gov. Doug Ducey said Tuesday he will allow his stay-at-home order to expire Friday as he continues easing restrictions imposed to slow the outbreak.
Navajo Nation president: Still not safe to go out in public
AP, May 14
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The president of the Navajo Nation says additional deaths and COVID-19 cases reported on the tribe’s sprawling reservation indicate it’s still not safe for residents to go out in public.
The tribal health department late Wednesday reported 147 more confirmed COVID-19 cases with 16 additional deaths from the coronavirus outbreak. The increases put the number of cases at 3,392 with a total of 119 deaths. Tribal President Jonathan Nez said residents should still should stay home and only go out in public when necessary. The reservation includes large areas of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
Some gyms, pool slow to reopen
AZPM, May 14
On Tuesday, Gov. Doug Ducey announced gyms and pools in Arizona could open the next day. Many in the state applauded the move, but not every gym opened its doors that next morning.
The YMCA of Southern Arizona took a “close fast and open slowly” approach to Ducey’s announcement.
“We’re not going to open our facilities until we know our staff are ready, until we know we can ensure safety and mitigate as much risk as possible for our members and our team members,” said Kurtis Dawson, President of YMCA of Southern Arizona.
CVS opening drive-thru test sites
AZPM, May 14
CVS will open 10 new COVID-19 test sites at select drive-thru locations across Arizona starting Friday.
The health store says the new sites will utilize self-swab tests. Those tests will adhere to CDC standards along with age guidelines.
Patients have to stay in their cars and will be given a test kit and instructions on how to do the self-swab test. Results are expected to be relayed in approximately three days. Patients must register ahead of time on the CVS website to schedule an appointment.
CVS Health expects to have up to 1,000 locations across the country across the country offering this service by the end of May, with the goal of processing up to 1.5 million tests per month, subject to availability of supplies and lab capacity.
Denver group delivers 500 homemade masks to Navajo Nation
AP, May 14
DENVER — A couple from Colorado has traveled to Arizona to deliver 500 homemade face masks to the Navajo Nation intended to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
KCNC-TV reported that a group of Denver area volunteer sewers originally started making masks for frontline workers but have since delivered to about 100 different organizations. Co-group organizer Amanda Glenn says the Denver Mask Task Force organized in March and has since grown to over 1,500 volunteers and has completed over 11,000 mask to donate.
Task force volunteer Lloyd Chavez suggested making masks for the Navajo Nation and drove with his wife Cindy nine hours to Chinle, Arizona, to drop of the package.
Officials release edited coronavirus reopening guidance
AP, May 14
NEW YORK — U.S. health officials have released part of some long-delayed specific guidance that schools, businesses, and other organizations can use as states reopen from coronavirus shutdowns.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday posted a set of six “decision tool” documents. The one-page documents use traffic signs and other graphics to tell organizations things to consider before reopening. The CDC has prepared more extensive, and more specific, guidance. That has not been posted.
The CDC drafted the guidance more than a month ago and it was initially shelved by the Trump administration.
Survey: Oil, manufacturing had best luck with pandemic loans
AP, May 14
Almost 75% of small businesses in a survey applied for help from a federal loan program designed to keep workers employed during the pandemic, but only 38% of small businesses received any money.
A survey of small businesses released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau shows oil extraction and mining businesses had the best success in getting loans from the Paycheck Protection Program. More than half of businesses surveyed in that sector got some help. Just under half of small businesses in manufacturing and about 45% of small businesses in accommodations and food services received loans. Utilities fared the worst with less than a quarter of small businesses getting loans.
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