Arizona COVID-19 cumulative counts, Dec. 14
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Select regional and national coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic as of Thursday, April 30. For more coverage, visit our resource page. This story may be updated.
UA announces plans to hold in-person classes in the fall
University of Arizona President Robert Robbins announced Thursday the school would transition back to in-person classes in the fall, bringing students back to campus after they were sent home to slow the spread of COVID-19.
"We will honor all local, state and federal protective measures that apply, and, of course, there are many factors that remain beyond our control. However, we are tackling what is within our control to ensure our students have the opportunity for a full on-campus experience," Robbins is quoted as saying in a release.
ICE data: 50% of detainees tested are positive for COVID-19
AZPM, April 30
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement website now lists the number of COVID-19 tests carried out in its facilities.
As of Thursday, the agency said almost 500 detainees had tested positive for the coronavirus nationwide. It said 1,030 had been tested, but didnt specify where.
University of Arizona virologist and professor Felicia Goodrum said those numbers signal a high infection rate. But more information is needed about how and where tests are occurring.
"If facilities are crowded and they’re only testing a small percentage of people, and 50% of those people tested positive, they have a much higher rate of infection underneath the radar," she said.
Former ICE detainee says little coronavirus information given in custody
AZPM, April 30
The coronavirus pandemic is impacting communities everywhere. But immigration advocates and former detainees say those in detention centers face a greater risk.
Alejandra Alor Reyes is a transgender woman from the Mexican state of Veracruz who claimed asylum at the border last June. She was recently released after 10 months in detention at the La Palma Correctional Center in Eloy.
La Palma reported its first coronavirus cases this month. But Reyes says she only learned about it through a chance conversation.
"I said why are they locking us in? And [the cook] said, 'It’s for your own safety and for ours," she said. "Because there are cases of coronavirus.
Pascua Yaqui Tribe to receive COVID-19 tests from UA
AZPM, April 30
The Pascua Yaqui government has announced the University of Arizona will be providing it with COVID-19 detection and antibody tests, allowing for more tribal members and employees to be tested for the new coronavirus.
The tribe’s chairman, Robert Valencia, announced in a Facebook video that during a call with the university’s president last week, Robert Robbins agreed to give the Pascua Yaqui Tribe 1,500 COVID-19 test kits. Valencia also said that the tribe’s executive director of health, Reuben Howard, is working out a deal with the university to get COVID-19 antibody tests.
Romero offers mixed reaction to Ducey stay-at-home extension
AZPM, April 30
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said she was pleased the Gov. Doug Ducey consulted with “science” and public health officials before he decided to extend the state’s stay-at-home order until May 15.
Romero said, however, that she has concerns with the part of the order that allows some businesses to begin opening on May 8. She said she understands that they will have to abide by CDC social distancing guidelines and best practices, but she wants to see more.
“What I would add, and what I am advocating for is the need, either mandatory or the Arizona Health Department and the Pima County Health Department to stress how important face coverings are,” Romero said.
Navajo infections surge as Trump prepares to visit Southwest
AP, April 30
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is extending an emergency health order through May 15 while relaxing restrictions on nonessential businesses that offer curbside service and deliveries and allowing gun shops, veterinary offices and state parks to reopen with restrictions.
Confirmed infections statewide in New Mexico climbed to 3,411 on Thursday. There were 11 new fatalities that brought the overall death toll to 123. U.S. health officials say coronavirus infections are beginning a renewed surge on the Navajo Nation and bordering areas that may peak around May 10.
Plan for Arizona Legislature to meet Friday called off
AP, April 30
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Legislature won’t meet as planned Friday after Republican leaders failed to reach agreement on whether to adjourn for the year or resume a session interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The moves come as some GOP lawmakers prepare to push back against Republican Gov. Doug Ducey’s decision Wednesday to extend his stay-home order until May 15. The order issued March 30 was due to expire at the end of the day Thursday.
Arizona to expand rest area in another move to aid truckers
AP, April 30
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona is taking another step to aid long-distance truckers hauling freight during the coronavirus pandemic.
The state Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that a nearly $4 million project will add a total of 38 additional parking spaces for big rigs on the two sides of the Haviland Rest Area on Interstate 40 west of Kingman.
The department previously raised weight limits for trucks carrying supplies for the COVID-19 relief effort and reopened two long-closed rest areas near Flagstaff to provide additional overnight parking for truckers. In another move, the department authorized food trucks to operate at rest areas to make it easier for truckers to obtain meals at a time when takeout options in some communities are limited.
A coronavirus drug seems to work. What's next?
AP, April 30
News that an experimental drug seems to be the first effective treatment for the new coronavirus has unleashed a flurry of interest — and a clamor to know how soon it might be available.
Talk turned Thursday to how quickly the federal Food and Drug Administration might act on Gilead Sciences’s remdesivir after preliminary results from a major study found it shortened recovery time by an average of four days for people hospitalized with COVID-19.
The company has or is close to having 140,000 treatment courses now and will donate them.
Sonora leaders say stay-at-home orders must continue
Fronteras Desk, April 29
Sonora's strict stay-at-home orders seem to be working, Gov. Claudia Pavlovich said Tuesday, congratulating state residents and authorities on successfully flattening the curve. The state has 51% fewer confirmed coronavirus cases than the 531 cases experts expected to see in Sonora by April 22, she said.
But while the number of cases in Sonora has yet to reach its peak, some Sonorans are already growing restless under the tight restrictions.
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