As Arizona scientists conduct the most extensive genomic sequencing of COVID-19 of any state, they credit early public health response for preventing an outbreak in late January. Also, they say the data show public health interventions do work, including testing, tracing and isolating, to control the virus. In a news briefing on Sept. 15, the Arizona COVID-19 Genomics Union (ACGU) scientists reported that initial findings suggest the state experienced no viral spread from Arizona’s first … [Read more...] about Scientists Share Findings of COVID-19 Genomic Research
COVID-19
Arizona To Receive More Than 2 Million Rapid COVID-19 Tests
Governor Doug Ducey today announced that Arizona will receive 2.19 million Abbott rapid point-of-care tests from the federal government. The tests can produce results within 15 minutes. Delivery is expected to take place with shipments beginning in the next seven to 10 days. The Arizona Department of Health Services is working with county health departments to prioritize the tests for K-12 schools and congregate care facilities for vulnerable individuals. “Arizona is grateful to President … [Read more...] about Arizona To Receive More Than 2 Million Rapid COVID-19 Tests
Arizona Adds Nearly 80,000 Jobs In August, Unemployment Drops To 5.9%
Arizona’s economy posted strong gains in August, adding nearly 80,000 jobs over the month. The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.9%, down from 10.7% in July and lower than the U.S. overall rate of 8.4%. During August, the private sector in Arizona recorded a gain of 30,400 jobs, which is 12,200 more jobs than the ten year average for the month. Gains were posted across ten private sectors, with ‘education and health services’ and ‘trade, transportation and utilities’ at the top. “This … [Read more...] about Arizona Adds Nearly 80,000 Jobs In August, Unemployment Drops To 5.9%
Chamber Business News: CARES Act And Arizona Come Together For Schools In Pandemic
Federal lifelines from the federal CARES Act are not only aiding small businesses and individuals in Arizona to survive the pandemic, they are helping schools navigate new challenges, as well. In total, Arizona will collect $1.8 billion from the CARES Act. Of that, education is receiving an estimated $626 million. That relief has been “critical” for keeping students educated and safe as schools statewide cope with the financial realities of COVID-19, said Arizona Superintendent of Public … [Read more...] about Chamber Business News: CARES Act And Arizona Come Together For Schools In Pandemic
Understanding Causes of Suicide During the Pandemic
September is suicide prevention month, and given the dramatic changes in lifestyle necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, it seems appropriate to address how the pandemic has impacted suicide and suicide prevention. But, let’s first look at suicide prior to the pandemic. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death among those 10-34 years of age. There were 47,173 suicides reported in 2017. It is estimated that for each suicide, as … [Read more...] about Understanding Causes of Suicide During the Pandemic
Community Partnerships Key to Successful Academic Year
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on commerce, business, health, and access to goods and services. It has had a strong impact on business communities that are closely tied to Northern Arizona University. It is more important than ever for NAU to continue providing students, faculty and staff the opportunity to study, innovate, do research and use its collective creativity to imagine a new way of living. At NAU, we are devoted to our mission of providing a high-quality … [Read more...] about Community Partnerships Key to Successful Academic Year
Prescott Releasing CARES Funding to Aid Recovery
The Prescott City Council has released a portion of the nearly $5.1 million in reimbursements from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support business tourism and technology incubation in downtown and North Prescott. The CARES allocation reimburses the city for COVID-related public safety expenditures during the last fiscal year. The council unanimously approved four motions to allocate the funds: 1) Approve $60,000 for business tourism and attraction … [Read more...] about Prescott Releasing CARES Funding to Aid Recovery
First-Time Gun Owners Driving Spike in Firearms Sales
Arizona native Stacy Speed, a vice president in the banking industry, has been working from her home during the pandemic and has found time to take on a new hobby. “I wanted to do something for myself. I love learning,” she said. “Also, intuitively, I knew coming into this year, an election year, the timing was good for me to learn self-defense. I want to know how to protect myself.” Speed has rarely picked up a gun before, but contacted Timberline Firearms and Training in Flagstaff, enrolled … [Read more...] about First-Time Gun Owners Driving Spike in Firearms Sales
Governor Ducey Announces Nearly $100 Million For Child Care Programs, Small Business Relief
Governor Doug Ducey today announced $98 million in new resources to help workers and businesses impacted by COVID-19. Provided by the CARES Act, $88 million will go toward supporting child care programs throughout the state. Less than half of state licensed and certified child care providers have managed to remain open through the pandemic. These dollars will support the reopening of child care centers, provide care for the children of essential workers through Arizona Enrichment Centers, and … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Announces Nearly $100 Million For Child Care Programs, Small Business Relief
Is PPP The Right Approach to Keeping Businesses Alive? One Startup’s Research Says No
PPP and other Cares Act funding was released to businesses under the disguise of ‘trying to keep them alive’. This is because governments know that businesses are the touchstones of local economies. They are the source of jobs, commerce, and vital services. However, we keep seeing the negative news headlines daily, as small businesses continue to fail despite over $6 trillion in relief. 20% to 40% of small businesses are closing their doors in America, and this is amidst PPP relief … [Read more...] about Is PPP The Right Approach to Keeping Businesses Alive? One Startup’s Research Says No