According to the Maricopa County Health Department, “The best way to track COVID-19 trends in Maricopa County is to follow the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 because it does not change with testing availability. COVID-19 hospitalizations are leveling off.”
The Arizona Department of Health Services reported 6,045 cases of COVID-19 and 266 deaths in the state, as of April 24. The Department said 60,714 tests for COVID-19 have been completed as of April 24 in public and private labs in Arizona, and 9% of tests have come back positive for the virus.
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is expanding its criteria for COVID-19 testing beyond high-risk people and those with symptoms of the disease, according to Dr. Cara Christ’s blog post on Thursday.
Good news! Our partners have indicated they are now able to obtain the supplies needed to perform additional #COVID19 testing because the supply chain is opening up. https://t.co/RXPQfTe98p
— AZ Dept of Health (@AZDHS) April 25, 2020
“Today, we issued updated standing orders, expanding the criteria for testing to anyone who thinks they have been exposed to and could be infected with COVID-19,” wrote Dr. Cara Christ, director of ADHS. “Previously, this order was limited to high-risk individuals and those with specific symptoms,” which include a dry cough, fever and persistent fatigue.
Sonora Quest Laboratories announced on Friday that it will offer antibody testing for COVID-19 using blood specimens.
“Antibody testing can be a game-changer in our fight against COVID-19,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “Sonora Quest has continually innovated to make increased testing available to Arizonans. This is another welcome expansion that will help provide certainty as Arizona looks to economic recovery at the appropriate time.”
Physicians are now able to prescribe, collect and route COVID-19 antibody testing specimens to Sonora Quest for testing.
Just got antibody tested at Gateway urgent Care on Lindsay and Williams field. Told me they are taking anyone right now. Blood drawn, results within 4 days. Billed my insurance and told me it is supposed to be covered.
— Warren Petersen (@votewarren) April 25, 2020