Arizona COVID-19 cumulative counts, Dec. 14
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Select regional and national coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic as of Monday, April 20. For more coverage, visit our resource page. This story may be updated.
Tucson nurse: Medical staff asked to reuse protective gear to preserve supply
AZPM, April 20
Pima County hospitals are preparing for more patients as Arizona approaches the expected peak of the pandemic curve. But one Tucson nurse said medical staff still grapple with ensuring they’re protected.
Alex requested only her first name be used and the name of her hospital withheld for fear of putting her job in jeopardy.
Gear like N95 masks and face shields help protect against the virus. But Alex said it's not clear how long the supply of those materials will last.
Sonora cracks down on harassment of health care workers
Fronteras Desk, April 20
From being refused service by transportation workers to being doused in water by strangers, health care workers in Sonora, like many parts of Mexico and the world, are facing increasing harassment and attacks amid panic over the spread of the coronavirus.
Now, Sonoran authorities say they are cracking down those crimes.
Banner Health to implement pay cuts, furloughs
Arizona Republic, April 20
Banner Health officials said Monday the Phoenix-based hospital system plans to implement "short-term" furloughs and pay cuts for some of its employees.
The hospital system, Arizona's largest private employer, says next week's measures will affect up to 3,000 of its 43,000 employees. Banner said that despite the need created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the suspension of elective surgeries and other procedures means less work in the hospitals for some health care workers.
All senior leaders will take up to a 20% reduction in pay beginning in May, the company said.
Read more at AZCentral.com
Tucson housing some homeless people in hotels
Arizona Daily Star, April 20
The city of Tucson moved 33 members of the homeless community into hotels on Friday in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus through the vulnerable population.
The city identified 22 at-risk individuals and 11 displaying symptoms to move into two undisclosed hotels, according to a city housing official. The city signed month-to-month agreements with the two hotels at $558,000 a month, paid for through grant funding.
The city said it did not know how long the hotels would be necessary, but that it was expected to significantly help slow the spread of the virus through vulnerable populations in Tucson.
Read more at Tucson.com.
Protesters demand Arizona governor lift stay-at-home order
AP, April 20
PHOENIX (AP) — Hundreds of protesters have descended on the Arizona Capitol demanding that Gov. Doug Ducey lift restrictions on businesses meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Demonstrators said Monday that the government has vastly overreacted to the disease. Protesters flouted the recommendations of health officials to remain at least six feet from others and wear masks in public. Many carried American flags or wore clothes supporting President Donald Trump.
Ducey has been cautious in describing how and when he might ease his stay-at-home order. His spokesman says he appreciates the passion of the protesters but will keep following the advice of health officials.
Feds to track, share information on nursing home outbreaks
AP, April 20
NEW YORK (AP) — Federal officials say they plan to start tracking and publicly sharing information on infections and deaths at nursing homes nationwide to help spot trends and signs of spread in communities.
The move comes as industry officials and local leaders have called on federal officials to do more to track infections and help get testing and protective equipment. The agency that oversees nursing homes says homes could start reporting information by the end of this week but didn't say when or how that data will be distributed.
An AP tally of nursing deaths stands at nearly 8,500.
If colleges cut sports programs, could new models emerge?
AP, April 20
College sports programs are already being cut and more are likely on the chopping block.
The coronavirus pandemic has triggered fears of an economic meltdown on campuses around the country. In tough times, athletic administrators often drop sports programs to save money. Some observers see the coming crisis as a chance for schools to consider radical changes to how athletic departments are run.
There also could be new development paths that emerge for young athletes.
4/20 uncertainty: Marijuana industry tested in virus crisis
AP, April 20
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Legal marijuana has become established in some form into all but a handful of states, but the industry faces a challenge as the economy falters amid the coronavirus crisis.
The unofficial holiday celebrating cannabis culture on Monday, known as 4/20, arrived with widespread uncertainty about the direction of the market as unemployment lines grow and consumers find themselves short on cash. The 4/20 holiday would usually be marked with outdoor festivals and communal smoking sessions, but this year, stay-at-home orders have moved the party online.
Sales soared at the start of lockdowns in March but business generally has flattened or tapered off since then, though some sellers are reporting boosts as government assistance checks reach consumers.
Navajo Nation orders protective masks worn on reservation
AP, April 18
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation says the average age of the more than 40 people who have died from coronavirus on the reservation is 66.
The tribe has ordered all people on its vast reservation to wear protective masks when out in public to help fight the spread. As of Saturday, 1,197 residents of the reservation that extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah have tested positive for COVID-19. The Navajo Nation has been hit harder by the coronavirus than any other Native American tribe. Tribal resident Jonathan Nez says officials would consider even more aggressive requirements to reduce the spread.
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