MOHAVE COUNTY – Recent weeks of sharp increases in COVID-19 cases in Mohave County slightly subsided last week. Department of Public Health Director Denise Burley told the Board of Supervisors Monday that she hopes the downward trend continues.
“We can be happy to say that we’ve seen a decrease from previous weeks for the first time in months. That’s not cause for celebration, but it is progress for sure,” Burley said. “We still had 377 cases reported out last week, which is still among the highest four weeks since the pandemic started.”
Burley reported that 962 people have recovered from the coronavirus in Mohave County. However, she also pointed out that the county is still averaging 8-10 deaths each week.
Burley said there’s anecdotal indication that more businesses are requiring people to wear face coverings in their businesses. She said that will help slow the spread of the virus.
Burley said community spread from groups and gatherings of too many people continues to be a problem. And she said there’s statistical proof that spread within households is also occurring.
“Family members are sharing the virus within their families and some friends of course, so the recommendation within that is, if people are experiencing symptoms, to wear a mask and social distance even within the household. We recognize what a challenge that can be,” Burley said.
Burley told supervisors that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had shortened their isolation period recommendation for those who wish to return to work after being sidelined.
Burley said the CDC previously suggested that a person should not return to work until 72 hours passed from the last fever without aid of any fever reduction medication. She said the CDC had rolled that recommendation back to 24 hours, allowing some to return to work two days sooner.
- Dave Hawkins
