Yes. An estimated 40% of COVID-19 cases are pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic.
Presymptomatic = have not developed symptoms yet but will; can be infectious 48 hours before symptoms begin
Asymptomatic = do not have symptoms and will not develop them; can be infectious for several days
This means you might have (and could spread) COVID-19 and not know it. It could also mean there are people around you who don’t look sick who have COVID-19. That’s why it’s important for everyone to act like they have the virus and take proper precautions.
Hospitalization Rate
Those of you who regularly read these email updates or check county COVID-19 data will notice the hospitalization rate due to COVID-19 has been steadily increasing. Today, we are reporting 11% of the county’s known cases since January have been hospitalized at some point. The rising number does not reflect more hospitalizations in recent days, but rather, more complete data because of a recent requirement that hospitals report all COVID-19 hospitalizations to the state.
We also want to remind people that Maricopa County hospitalization data looks at the total number of cases since the start of the pandemic. For real-time data and current hospitalization trends, see the hospitalization epi curve for Maricopa County trends over time (check the box for “Hospitalizations”) or refer to the Arizona Department of Health Services dashboard and look at both inpatient use and hospitalization.
A late June executive order from the Governor put a pause on the operation of some businesses considered to have a high risk of spreading COVID-19. With cases and percentage of positive tests trending down statewide, the Arizona Department of Health Services has issued a phased in reopening plan for these industries.
My Child's School Has a Reopening Plan. How Can I Assess the Risk?
By now, most schools and districts have informed families about their plans for fall classes. Many schools will start with remote learning only; others will have a mix of online learning and in-person instruction; and some schools may choose to open up their campuses to all students. Maricopa County Public Health has created a risk assessment for schools that can also be a reference for families.
Public Health’s role is not to make policy but rather to inform decision-makers of the latest public health data and trends. Policy decisions are made by school boards and administrators locally, and the Arizona Department of Education at the state level.
All Clerk of the Court facilities are open for business, but many documents can be filed remotely. That includes marriage license applications by mail.
Maricopa County Human Services Department provides support and essential services to people in need. Available assistance includes help paying bills, an eviction prevention program, and career services.
Make your voice count and help your community return stronger. Participate in the 2020 Census so Arizona receives its fair share of federal funding for infrastructure, emergency response, and community services.
All information requests related to Maricopa County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic should be directed to the Joint Information Center using the email address caomedia@maricopa.gov.
If this email was forwarded to you, and you'd like to get weekly updates, you can subscribe here.