PHOENIX— The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) announced today the state will receive $500,000 in initial funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support the COVID-19 Response. The funding will provide immediate access to resources for a limited number of states and local jurisdictions impacted by the outbreak. ADHS will evaluate the best use of the funding to help contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona.

“The COVID-19 outbreak is evolving rapidly and this additional funding from the federal government will help public health agencies in Arizona to better respond to the outbreak,” said Dr. Cara Christ, ADHS director. “We are still in the process of evaluating the best use of this initial funding and will work with our local health partners to determine how the funds will have the most effective impact in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.”

ADHS activated its Health Emergency Operations Center on January 26th after the first case of travel-associated COVID-19 was confirmed in Arizona. The Health Emergency Operations Center remains open to coordinate the State’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID-19 spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. On March 3, public health officials confirmed a presumptive positive case of COVID-19, bringing the total COVID-19 case count in Arizona to two, with both cases in Maricopa County.

Public health officials are advising residents that flu and other respiratory diseases are circulating in the community, and are recommending everyone get a flu shot and follow basic infection prevention guidelines:

The best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses are to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For more information about the COVID-19 response in Arizona, go online to azhealth.gov/COVID19.