Maricopa County Public Health
COVID-19 Response Summary

Report for March 11 , 2020

This is a rapidly-evolving situation.
Information in this report is accurate as of the time sent.

COVID-19 - This Week in Review
Maricopa County

  • Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) supported Pinal County with its case investigation/response/announcement of 3 cases of COVID-19.

  • Community spread of COVID-19 was confirmed in Maricopa County on March 6.

  • Recommendation to preserve healthcare workforce: MCDPH recommended fever and symptom screening of all healthcare workers and EMS, allowing them to return to work regardless of COVID-19 exposure, as long as they remain symptom free.

  • MCDPH announced our 3rd case March 11 and conducted subsequent contact investigation. This person is in stable condition and is recovering in a local hospital. See the update here.

  • Commercial laboratory testing through LabCorp became available the week of March 2 and Sonora Quest on March 11. Lab testing guidance is available on the Maricopa.gov/coronavirus website. Healthcare Providers do not need Public Health approval to order commercial testing.

  • Providers DO need to call for approval to have suspected COVID-19 patients tested at the Arizona State Public Health Lab who meet the Persons Under Investigation criteria. Providers DO NOT need to call for approval to have suspected COVID-19 patients tested at a commercial lab.



  • MCDPH provided guidance to the Maricopa County Recorder and Elections Department to prepare for the upcoming presidential preferential election and prevent spread of illness.

  • MCDPH completed webinars to provide updates for
  • Healthcare
  • Municipalities
  • EMS
  • Cities/Town Managers

  • Situation update for municipality leadership and staff was distributed and can be found here.

  • MCDPH has outreached to partners who represent older adults.

  • MCDPH participated in Congressman Schweikert town hall.

  • MCDPH consulted with City of Phoenix regarding Democratic Debate.

  • MCDPH talked to numerous event planners regarding special event recommendations.

  • MCDPH continues to field numerous media requests and requests for presentations.
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  • MCDPH is coordinating with Major League Baseball regarding Spring Training.

Of Note

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global pandemic.


  • Commercial testing for COVID-19 is slowly ramping up.

  • On March 4, the House of Representatives passed a roughly $8 billion emergency funding bill to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
Looking Ahead

  • Upcoming partner webinars include long-term care facilities, schools, childcare and reoccurring healthcare and partner calls. To sign up for a webinar, email mcdphplanningchief@maricopa.gov.

  • Guidance is being drafted for dissemination to businesses, schools and event coordinators in Maricopa County.

  • MCDPH will continue with case and contact investigations.

  • MCDPH will continue to field healthcare provider calls and general public calls.

  • MCDPH will be coordinating testing with close contacts, when necessary.

  • MCDPH will continue to update its website and social media daily.

  • MCDPH will present to community partners representing dementia and caregivers at the request of Senator Sinema's office.
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What can you do to protect yourself
and your family from COVID-19?
  • Stay home when ill.

  • Call your healthcare provider before going in to avoid spreading illness to others in the waiting room.

  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and dispose of tissues in the trash.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

  • Avoid touching your mouth and nose to keep germs from entering your body.
Washing hands
Image source:
  • Have a plan for someone to care for your child (children) if they become ill and need to stay home from school.

  • Talk to your employer about ways to work from home if you become ill so you can stay home and away from others.


For Organizations
  • Discuss a continuity of operations plan that allows employees to telework.

  • Find alternatives to in-person meetings such as meetings with video or telephone conferences.

  • Encourage surface cleaning measures for frequently touched surfaces like light switches, door knobs and faucets.

  • Ensure soap, hand sanitizer and tissues are available.

Useful Links
(Accurate as of 3/11/2020)

Feel free to share these links with staff, partners, and clients
Still have questions? Email: