LAKE HAVASU CITY – The Lake Havasu City service area has become Mohave County’s COVID-19 hotspot once again. Case count surges have bounced back and forth from one service territory to another during the four month-long pandemic, but have rotated back to Lake Havasu over the past couple of weeks.
“Looking at the cases since July 1, Lake Havasu has had an increase of 157%,which is the fastest growing compared to the other major cities,” Assistant Department of Public Health Director Melissa Palmer said during Thursday’s Mohave County Board of Supervisors coronavirus management meeting. “Kingman is at 38%, Bullhead City is at 83% and north county is at 16%.”
Supervisor Buster Johnson asked Nursing Manager Lynne Valentine about use of face shields rather than face masks to prevent against exposure and spread of the virus. Valentine said the Centers for Disease Control recommends that masks be used with face shields because breath droplets can escape from under the open, bottom portion of shields if shields are used alone.
Johnson’s inquiry involved the county’s recent mask mandate for county buildings and the fact that some citizens are exempt from the requirement given medical factors. Johnson suggested a mandate amendment that more comfortable shields be required for those who have face mask exemptions to protect the county workforce.
“It’s just one more partial layer to help keep our people safe,” Johnson said. “We’re getting more and more people that are testing positive in our county departments and, as we all know, we’re understaffed anyway.”
Deputy county attorney Ryan Esplin endorsed the face shield amendment requirement and advised he deems it legally sound in that citizens and employees can use a shield if exempt from any face mask dictate. “This shield is a reasonable accommodation to allow you to come into our buildings, to allow you to participate in our services, but also to be in compliance with what the board has ordered,” Esplin said.
New Manager Sam Elters asked whether the county is able to provide disposable shields for those who need them. Staff indicated the county does not have sufficient supply in hand at present.
“I’ve checked into them and there seems to be an abundance,” Johnson said. His motion directing staff to secure face shields, and additional masks if necessary, passed 4-1 with supervisor Hildy Angius dissenting.
- Dave Hawkins
Not surprising, City officials are naive and are ignoring the large elephant in the room.
Just cruise down to Lake Havasu and Bullhead City and take a count of all the out of state vehicles around the boat launches and hotels and motels. You’ll have your answer why the numbers have surged.
If you want to bring down the counts, make the decision like Hawaii did and require anyone coming to Arizona to shelter in place for a specific time or not come here unless they live here.
Both Florida and Arizona have had increases in Covid cases, and it has to be neighboring states people coming to our state.
This isn’t going away until you stop the traveling between states.
How or were do I sigh up for classes ?
I’m glad your worried about your county departments mr. Buster Johnson. I’m concerned about all our citizens! If the mayor or who ever have the power to stop letting the Californian’s in and there boats, this town would have a fighting chance!!!! I stay at home 90 percent of the week , cause air b&b and boaters from out of town. I think if any body DESERVES to enjoy there town it’s it’s own citizens!! Think of were your duty lies, it’s not the white plate people !!!
Being tested positive, doesn’t mean sick.
Also doesn’t mean dying.
Mask only works if worn the right way. Check out people with mask on,most are under nose or under chin or none at all.