More than 1 million Arizonans—approximately one in seven residents—are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Health Services announced today. Arizona is making plans to continue the momentum as temperatures heat up and in anticipation of increased vaccine supply and opening vaccination to everyone 16 and older by May 1.“Every dose of the COVID-19 vaccine administered to an Arizona resident represents an essential step forward in our fight … [Read more...] about More Than 1 Million Arizonans Now Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19
COVID-19
State Adopts A Unique Model For COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization
Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) announced today a new hybrid approach that provides Arizonans 55 and older eligibility along with frontline essential workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The new approach launches today in the Phoenix Metro Area.Arizona will continue its age-based approach to administering the vaccine. The new hybrid approach will ensure the distribution of vaccine doses to individuals at high risk of severe outcomes, including … [Read more...] about State Adopts A Unique Model For COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization
Governor Ducey Announces Next Phase Of Business And Safety Protocols
Governor Doug Ducey today announced the next phase of COVID-19 mitigation. With cases dropping in Arizona, and vaccine distribution underway, it’s still important to keep our guard up, and these protocols reflect that approach. The announcement follows 7 weeks of declining cases in Arizona, and the distribution of more than 2 million vaccines. The following changes are reflected in a new Executive Order from Governor Ducey: For businesses, physical distancing and mask protocols will … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Announces Next Phase Of Business And Safety Protocols
Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order Requiring Schools To Offer In-Person Learning
Following discussions with public school leaders, and in accordance with new guidance from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor Doug Ducey today issued a new Executive Order returning schools to in-person, teacher-led instruction. According to metrics developed by the CDC, 12 of Arizona’s 15 counties are in phases where all schools are safe to open, including in the state’s two largest counties, Maricopa and Pima. “Arizona’s students need to be back in the … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order Requiring Schools To Offer In-Person Learning
Scientists Track California Variant in Arizona
The COVID-19 mutation that caused outbreaks in California, known as the California Variant, is spreading and experts fear it may be more contagious than even the United Kingdom strain. Since December, Arizona has seen at least 140 positive samples of the California Variant and five of the UK Variant. Scientists are hopeful the vaccines work against the new strains and healthcare officials say they will treat all strains the same way. Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has … [Read more...] about Scientists Track California Variant in Arizona
Flags At Half-Staff To Honor Lives Lost To COVID-19
In coordination with President Biden’s proclamation, Governor Doug Ducey today ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff for five days starting tomorrow, February 23, 2021, to honor the thousands of lives lost across Arizona and the nation due to COVID-19. “As we pull together and continue to work to save lives and fight COVID-19, we also grieve and pray for all the lives we’ve lost in Arizona and across the nation to this disease,” said Governor Ducey. “We mourn each and … [Read more...] about Flags At Half-Staff To Honor Lives Lost To COVID-19
Ducey Issues Executive Order To Ensure Students Stay On Track
Governor Doug Ducey today signed an Executive Order directing the State Board of Education to study student assessment data and identify the learning loss that occurred during the pandemic so students and families can get the support they need. The issuance of the order followed the Governor’s signing of House Bill (HB) 2402, which ensures students continue to be evaluated and provides flexibility around the state’s school grading system. “This will ensure we continue to have … [Read more...] about Ducey Issues Executive Order To Ensure Students Stay On Track
Navajo Nation’s Major Disaster Declaration Approved
Following the support of Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly and Arizona Representatives Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01), Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-02), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), David Schweikert (AZ-06), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), and Greg Stanton (AZ-09), the administration approved Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government, which will allow the Nation to access additional resources to combat the … [Read more...] about Navajo Nation’s Major Disaster Declaration Approved
New U.S. COVID-19 Air Travel Rules
Dear Traveler, Are you considering an international trip? If so, read on. The CDC has issued a COVID-19 order that may impact your plans for re-entering the United States. Effective January 26, 2021 travelers arriving in the U.S. must: 1) Get tested for COVID-19 no more than 3 days before departing to the United States and show a negative test result to the airline before boarding OR 2) show documentation of recent recovery from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding. This new order … [Read more...] about New U.S. COVID-19 Air Travel Rules
The Shot Felt Round the World
Healthcare officials across Arizona high-fived, cheered, elbow-bumped and even shed tears of gratitude as the first doses of the Moderna vaccine were administered on Tuesday, Dec. 22. “This is a great way to end the year,” said Dr. Kristina Kezar, M.D., from Verde Valley Medical Center. “What a Christmas gift for me and the safety of my family and the community. I’m ecstatic. I’m honored.” Moments earlier, Flagstaff Medical Center Critical Care Nurse Stacey Payne, R.N. received the vaccine in … [Read more...] about The Shot Felt Round the World