MOHAVE COUNTY There is a great deal of news circulating about coronavirus or COVID-19. As with any new illness or disease, there is new information available almost daily, and it is important to focus on the scientific facts and information shared by credible sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS).
So what is important to know?
As of the writing of this article, there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mohave County.
There is no need for excessive alarm, but do take preventative measures to reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus and any other respiratory illnesses currently circulating in our communities such as flu or colds.
Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19, is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Testing for COVID-19 is only available at the Arizona State Public Health laboratory. Samples are collected by hospitals and health care providers and sent to the lab for testing. The local public health department will be notified of the results within 24 hours (with the exception of weekends).
The Mohave County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is working with groups (businesses, schools, high-risk populations, healthcare facilities) throughout the county to prepare for possible community spread of the coronavirus. Weekly activities include conference calls with the ADHS, healthcare facilities throughout the area, and local health officers.
Additionally, information regarding educational webinars targeting specific groups designed to assist with planning for coronavirus cases in our county was disseminated, and meetings were scheduled to address more specific questions that could not be addressed in those webinars. MCDPH is in the process of developing PSA’s and other educational materials that can be distributed to the community.
Updates and information about how to prevent coronavirus will be made available more frequently in the community, as we learn more about the illness and confirmed cases in our county. Do not believe rumors or social media posts that are alarmist or contradict information provided by Mohave County Public Health, ADHS, or the CDC.
There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19, but Mohave County residents and visitors can follow the everyday preventive measures that reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or if soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading in other communities (“community spread”) with patients having no clear source of infection such as travel to an affected region, or close contact with a patient. At some point in the future, it is likely the virus will spread in our local communities.
The public health response is rapidly evolving to a mitigation response – that means the main focus of public health will be to reduce the severity, community spread, and negative impact in the community as a whole.
Stay informed. –A great source of information is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Arizona Department of Health Services (AHDS).
