/ Modified jul 8, 2020 6:25 p.m.

Daily news roundup: AZ tops nation for positive COVID-19 test rate, businesses' aid running out

Recent coverage impacting Southern Arizona, July 7.

COVID-19, July 7 — Cases: 105,094 | Deaths: 1,927 | Diagnostic tests*: 628,275

On Tuesday, July 7, the state reported 3,653 more cases and 117 deaths. The latter is another record, though the Arizona Department of Health Services explained in a tweet that 52 of the deaths were from death certificate matching. Still, the remaining count of 65 deaths far outpaced the averages from recent days.


Arizona has highest rate of positive COVID-19 tests in country

Arizona Republic

PHOENIX — Roughly a quarter of COVID-19 tests in Arizona are returning positive results, according to a coronavirus data tracking effort, suggesting the actual spread of the virus is far outpacing testing in the state.

A high percent positive rate means that testing may only be reaching those with more severe infections and failing to capture the reach of the spread by not testing asymptomatic residents. The World Health Organization said, with comprehensive testing, one sign of a slowing epidemic is percent positive less than 5% for two weeks or more.

Arizona had an average of 25.3% positive tests as of Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University. Learn more at AZCentral.com


Arizona employers received more than $7 billion in PPP loans. But what’s next?

AZPM

Arizona businesses large and small received over $7 billion through the Paycheck Protection Program, according to data released Monday by the Small Business Administration.

The program has been instrumental in reducing unemployment in the spring, when the economy tumbled and lockdown orders were at their most restrictive. But now as some businesses reach the end of their aid, record case counts and the return of mandated closures threaten to erase the program’s gains.

To learn more about the program in Arizona, and what may be in store for Arizona businesses, click here..


Pima County moves to 'dramatically' expand contact tracing

AZPM

The Pima County Health department will work with Maximus Health Services Inc. to increase local COVID-19 contact-tracing efforts. The county chose Maximus for a six-month, $10 million contract, with options to extend as needed.

In a release, the county said this will dramatically improve its ability to contact and inform people about COVID-19 exposure so they can self-isolate and limit the disease spread.

Maximus will hire at least 150 people initially, from Pima County, which Pima County Health Director Theresa Cullen said is designed not only to keep jobs local but to "capitalize on the sense of community and diversity that the people of Pima County bring to the table." Work will begin immediately, and jobs will be posted soon.

As contact tracing efforts expand, Cullen said the public should be ready to answer their phone, follow guidance from health officials and be prepared to stay home and monitor their symptoms for signs of infection if they've been exposed to the new coronavirus.


Tucson advocates call for push to defund police in city budget

AZPM

This week the Tucson City Council is expected to finalize the city's 2021 budget, and some Tucsonans say they plan to voice their support for defunding the police in person at the meeting. Every council member except Lane Santa Cruz voted to continue the city’s contract with the Tucson Police Association in a meeting last week. They also voted on a preliminary city budget that includes $166 million for the department for the coming fiscal year — roughly $2 million more than what was allotted in 2020.

The vote was disappointing to local Defund activists. But Black Lives Matter Tucson organizer Tiera Rainey said that, contrary to what many assume, the council's vote still leaves room for debate.

Learn more here.


ASU researchers develop cheaper, faster saliva test for COVID-19

Cronkite News

PHOENIX — As the number of Arizonans who have contracted COVID-19 has raced past 100,000, testing for the novel coronavirus that causes the respiratory disease has become a priority. Some of that testing now is being done through saliva, a process that’s easier and less expensive.

Arizona’s first saliva test – designed by scientists at Arizona State University to make university-wide testing feasible in the fall – already has been administered to more than 6,000 people, according to Vel Murugan, an associate research professor at ASU’s Biodesign Institute. It’s an alternative to nasopharyngeal swabs, which are uncomfortable and can be dangerous to frontline workers.

Saliva tests may be even more accurate than nasal tests, said Joshua LaBaer, executive director of the Biodesign Institute. Nasopharyngeal swabs involve inserting a cotton swab into the nose and pushing it to the back of the palate, where the sample is collected. The swab then is put into about half a teaspoon of liquid, mostly saline.

Learn more here.


Phoenix police chief asks for FBI review of fatal shooting

AP

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Police chief is asking the FBI to investigate a man’s shooting death at the hands of officers. Chief Jeri Williams announced Tuesday that she is requesting the agency conduct an independent probe to see if 28-year-old James “Jay” Garcia’s civil rights were violated during the July 4 shooting.

Authorities say officers were called to a home Saturday afternoon in Phoenix’s Maryvale neighborhood about a suspect in an attempted stabbing targeting the victim again. Officers spoke with Garcia, who was sitting in a parked car on the driveway. Police say officers were forced to shoot after Garcia pointed a handgun at them.


Health club chain loses bid to stop Arizona shutdown order AP

PHOENIX — A judge has rejected a request by an Arizona health club chain to stop enforcement of Gov. Doug Ducey’s shutdown of gyms. Judge Timothy Thomason ruled Tuesday the coronavirus pandemic provided a rational basis for the governor to take such emergency action.

Mountainside Fitness disobeyed the governor’s order for a week by operating its 18 health clubs. It closed for the temporary shutdown on Tuesday afternoon. The state Department of Health Services on Tuesday reported 3,653 newly confirmed virus cases.

Hospitalizations, use of ventilators and ICU beds in Arizona all reached record highs.

Learn more here.


Virus fears, regional spats snarl Arizona-Mexico route

AP

PHOENIX — Fears about possible coronavirus infections from hard-hit Arizona and regional politics south of the U.S.-Mexico border saw American vacationers turned back on the road to the popular tourist resort of Puerto Peñasco over the long July 4 weekend.

The spat in the small community of Sonoyta continued Tuesday after erupting over the weekend against a backdrop of international politics, local rivalries and resentments, and growing fears about virus spread along the 2,000-mile border. A local journalist covering the flap says Sonoyta Unidos members stationed at a roadblock south of an official health checkpoint are still turning back Americans they believe are engaged in nonessential travel.

Learn more here..


More than 81,000 Arizona businesses get coronavirus loans

AP

PHOENIX — Government data show just over 81,000 Arizona small businesses were approved for loans worth $8.6 billion under a government program meant to keep people employed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data released Monday by the U.S. Treasury Department show the Arizona companies reported saving more than 1 million jobs as a result of the Paycheck Protection Program. It was a central part of the governor's response to the economic fallout caused by the coronavirus. Just over 11,000 Arizona firms were approved for loans of $150,000 or more.

Several sectors dominate those larger loans, including restaurants, doctors, dentists, lawyers and construction contractors. The list also includes churches, schools, cultural organizations, hotels and casinos.

Learn more here.

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