County health directors provide latest on coronavirus (VIDEO)

HIGHLIGHTS from today’s press conference with Pinal County Health Services Director Dr. Shauna McIsaac and Maricopa County Medical Director for Disease Control Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine regarding COVID-19 in Arizona:

— The latest (third) Arizona patient with  COVID-19 is a Pinal County resident who is a healthcare worker in Maricopa County.

— State lab confirmed the diagnosis of presumptive positive Thursday night.

— The patient is hospitalized in Maricopa County in stable condition.

— The patient stayed home while she was sick and “did not expose very many people at all” because she was vigilant about staying home.

— The patient has not traveled to any coronavirus hot spots, and investigators have not yet found contact with a person who had traveled to those areas.

— The third patient with COVID-19 is the first sign of community spread, a fact that changes public health response. Now, “we all need to do our part to slow the spread” – keep sick people away from others.

— Close contacts have been interviewed and are being monitored for signs of symptoms.

— If you have not been contacted by public health, you are not a close contact.

— “Per CDC recommendations, we are no longer going to keep healthcare workers home after they are exposed to COVID-19.” They are required to monitor themselves for symptoms and stay home if those symptoms develop.

— People are infectious to others when they actually show the symptoms of COVID-19.

— If you have symptoms of anything, go home.

— To control the spread:
>>Wash hands frequently and for 20 seconds, using soap.
>>Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth, which are the way the germs enter your body.
>>If you are sick, please stay home.

— Only share accurate information, such as from state and county health departments and Center for Disease Control (CDC.gov)

— It’s a little more contagious than the flu, and there is no treatment or a vaccine.

— Kids have milder illness and do not seem to be at risk of severe disease.

— Older adults have higher risk of complications.

— The worst symptoms tend to appear in the second week of illness.

— The vast majority of those who contract COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and completely recover without any treatment.

— Public health authorities are obligated to maintain absolute confidentiality and will not share information that can be used to identify a patient unless it’s important to the public’s health.

— Arizona’s healthcare systems have resource limitations.