By Jon Johnson
GRAHAM COUNTY – Cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 have remained stagnant in Graham County and the only two positive cases have completely recovered.
The latest Executive Order issued Monday by Governor Doug Ducey follows new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and comes at the recommendation of public health officials who are tracking data specific to Arizona. The governor’s order promotes increased physical distancing while encouraging social connectedness among citizens. It goes into effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 31.
According to the Graham County Department of Health and Human Services, a total of 72 people have taken a test for COVID-19 in Graham County, with 63 negative results, the two positives, and seven that are currently pending results.
The first positive test came from a Pima Elementary School staff member and was announced on March 13. A second test taken during a follow-up clinic at Pima Junior High tested positive the following week. Both patients have since made a full recovery, according to Graham County Health Department Director Brian Douglas.
As of Monday morning, there were 1,289 reported positive test results in Arizona and 24 deaths relating to COVID-19, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Of those positive tests, Maricopa County had the most with 788, followed by Pima County with 202, Navajo County – 91, Coconino County – 81, Pinal County – 62, Yavapai County – 21, Apache County – 16, Yuma County – 9, Mohave County – 7, Cochise County – 4, Santa Cruz County – 2, Graham County – 2 (fully recovered), Gila County – 1, Greenlee County – 1.
The majority of cases in Arizona are those ages 20-44 with 471, followed by 65 years and older – 301, 45 to 54 – 249, 55 to 64 – 229, 5 to 19 – 33, and one who is under 5-years-old. Men skewer slightly more with 51 percent of the cases, compared to 40 percent for women.
Regional Preparedness
According to Ryan Rapier, Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center Director of Public Relations and Marketing, the hospital feels that it is prepared for the arrival of COVID-19 as “any hospital in our situation could be. We have a very proactive Disaster Planning Team and a well-trained staff that has drilled for instances like this, and they – in conjunction with county health officials – have been monitoring and preparing for COVID-19 for weeks.”
While hard-hit hospitals have warned of a lack of ventilators, without giving a number of how many MGRMC had on hand, Rapier said the hospital has more than a person would find in most life-sized communities. Additionally, he said that the hospital has “been fortunate in procuring Personal Protective Equipment so that we have a multi-week supply on hand for our staff. There is no way for an organization like our to know if we are truly prepared for a never-before-seen event like we are experiencing worldwide, but we believe, based on everything that has been conveyed to us from county, state, and federal officials, that we have prepared as effectively as possible for the arrival of COVID-19 at our hospital.
Greenlee County Health Department advises the public to wear masks when outside
The Greenlee County Health Department has issued a press release encouraging the use of masks when residents are outside of their homes and in the public.
The news release continues to say:
“We are hoping that this encouragement will not cause
panic or undue anxiety but will make our communities safer and slow any potential spread of COVID-19
as it moves through the United States. We are asking the Public to consider some things that we know
about this virus and the spread of disease. We, as a community, also need to take current global
shortages into account as we approach possible solutions.
1. The virus that causes COVID-19 can survive for days on environmental surfaces.
2. The virus is likely spread in the community by persons who are infected but have no symptoms.
3. Persons who are infected can spread the virus through droplets (small particles of spit) when
they talk, cough, and sneeze. The spread of these droplets can be minimized by the use of a
mask, thereby protecting the community.
4. Some studies have shown that the average person touches their own face sixteen (16) times per
hour when awake. Wearing a mask can help the person remember to not touch their face until
washing their hands.
5. Masks, even homemade masks, can lower the particle size of droplets that are spread, making
the inoculum (number of virus particles spread) lower. A lower initial inoculum could prove to
be important in overall better disease outcomes.
6. Countries that have instituted the use of masks by the public have seen a slower spread rate in
their population.
7. The use of a non-medical mask protects the community more than it protects the person
wearing the mask. Wearing a homemade or paper mask will not fully protect the wearer against
aerosol particles, but it has been shown to protect the community as a whole.
8. Medical grade masks are currently in short supply.
9. Again, wearing a mask in public will not completely protect the wearer but affords more
protection to the community as a whole.
With these things in mind, the Health Department is recommending that Residents consider the use of masks, even homemade breathable cloth masks. This is not a requirement, but a recommendation to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. This recommendation is in addition to our recommendations for social distancing. Our community needs to continue being productive during this global outbreak. We need to do what we do best in Greenlee County, produce. The community needs to protect those who cannot work from home, by minimizing community spread. We believe this measure will help.
We are not recommending any particular type of mask. We do recommend considering a few things when choosing a mask type or making one at home. With current global mask shortages, people may need to be creative in obtaining a mask, which could include making their own. Please refrain from attempting to obtain masks or equipment from our Health Care System or other essential business.
• Make sure the mask encloses the area around the nose and mouth
• Choose a material that is tightly woven, but is breathable, if making your own
• Double layered fabric is being used in other parts of the world for homebuilt masks
• Fabric, if homebuilt, should be washable and able to withstand bleach and the high heat of a
clothes dryer
• Never place a mask on a small child prior to testing the mask and making sure that it is
breathable for the child
• Never use a mask if it restricts your breathing
• Choose social distancing over mask use if possible
• Avoid touching the exterior of any mask
• Frequent handwashing is a critical part of reducing the spread of COVID-19
The Health Department is currently working to increase its’ supply of protective equipment. We are working with our Health Care Providers and First Responders throughout the County to make sure our front-line workers have what they need. We are not currently able to provide masks or other protective equipment to the general public.
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