2023 is well underway, and with it comes a new update on the status of COVID-19 in Arizona.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the history of the virus in our state, as well as the mitigation efforts that have been put into place.
We’ll also provide an up-to-date picture of where things stand today and Covid-19 testing protocols.
The Current COVID-19 Situation in Arizona
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to surge in Arizona, health officials are continuing to work hard to contain the spread of the virus.
According to the New York Times, as of March 23rd, the state had seen 2.4 million cases of Covid-19 and 33,190 deaths related to the virus.
The situation had been highest in Maricopa County, where the majority of cases were concentrated. This county made up 1.29 million of the reported cases and 17,342 of the deaths. This contributed to Arizona being ranked fourth in status worst prepared for COVID-10 second wave risk.
Health officials have urged residents to stay home as much as possible and, while not mandatory, to wear face masks when they go out. They have also urged people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Fortunately, cases in the state have remained low for the time being in Arizona. The last spike in cases was in late January and as of May 19, the state has about 26% as many newly reported cases compared to that peak.
So no need to break out your COVID-19 quarantine styles and outfits just yet.
The Newest Variant of COVID-19
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the omicron variant of COVID-19, known as BA.2.12.1, is on track to become the new viral strain epidemic.
It may have already surpassed the previous Omicron strain in Southeast states, like Florida.
Because the more transmissible strain is prevalent, more individuals are at risk of catching COVID-19 and cases have been on the rise again nationally.
Some federal health officials across the country are beginning to encourage the use of masks indoors once again.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
One of the most striking things about COVID-19 is how rapidly symptoms can appear. In some cases, people have reported feeling fine one day and then becoming very ill the next.
However, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and a dry cough.
Some people also experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea.
These symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, so it can be difficult to tell if you have COVID-19 without getting tested.
If you develop any of these symptoms, it’s important to self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.
How to Protect Yourself From Getting COVID-19
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 saga, it is more important than ever to take steps to protect yourself from the virus.
One of the most effective ways to do this is to practice social distancing, which means keeping at least six feet away from other people.
This can be difficult in some situations, but there are creative ways to make it work, such as meeting friends for a walk instead of coffee or celebrating holidays and gatherings like Thanksgiving Arizona-style with COVID-19 in mind.
Another important step is to consider wearing a face mask when you are around other people, especially if they are sick or immunocompromised.
Face masks help to prevent droplets from spreading from your mouth or nose, and they also protect you from exposure to droplets that other people may be carrying.
Finally, it is important to regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. By taking these simple steps, you can help to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
What to Do If You Think You Have Contracted COVID-19
If you think you have contracted COVID-19, the first thing you should do is to get a free covid test done. Recently, the United States government released an additional 8 rapid antigen COVID-19 tests per household.
You can order them here from the USPS and have them sent directly to your address free of charge. Believe us when we say the process of ordering them can be done in under 30 seconds. Isn’t technology great?
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to care for yourself at home. Drink plenty of fluids and get rest.
You may also want to take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen to help with any fever or aches and pains.
It is important to stay isolated from other people in your household as much as possible. This means using a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible, and avoiding sharing dishes, towels, and bedding.
If you must be in the same room as other people, wear a face mask and keep a distance of at least six feet.
By taking these precautions, you can help to protect yourself and others from the virus.
Are there any treatments for COVID-19?
Currently, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19. However, many of the symptoms can be treated with supportive care.
This may include rest, plenty of fluids, and pain relief for fever. It is also important to stay isolated from other people if you are sick, in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
Experts recommend getting the Covid-19 vaccination as soon as possible to minimize your chances of catching Covid-19 and reduce symptoms should you catch the virus in the future.
Here are some simple tips to help you get scheduled for your vaccine:
- Check your state’s vaccine websiteto see if you are eligible for the vaccine. Eligibility requirements vary by state, so it’s important to check before you try to schedule an appointment.
- Visit the website of your chosen vaccine provider. Many providers, such as pharmacies and grocery stores, have online scheduling systems that you can use to book an appointment.
- If you can’t find an online booking system, call the provider directly to schedule an appointment. Be prepared with your personal information (name, date of birth, etc.) and your insurance information.
- Finally, once you have an appointment scheduled, be sure to show up on time. Vaccine appointments are often in high demand, so showing up late may result in you losing your spot.
We hope this article has been helpful in providing you with an update on the current state of COVID-19 in Arizona.
Luke Williams writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, Clearsurance.com. His passions include health insurance and helping others stay informed on the current COVID-19 situation in the U.S.
