SAFFORD — Graham County Health Department reported 11 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, with seven of the cases discovered at last Saturday’s testing blitz.
Each of the 170 people tested last Saturday received their results by Sunday; however, Health Department Director Brian Douglas explained that getting that information takes just a bit longer.
“It takes a day or two for the information to actually trickle from the lab to the state (Department of Health Services),” Douglas said during a recent appearance on Voice of the Valley.
Of the 11 new cases, five are residents of Safford, three live in Pima, two on the San Carlos Apache reservation and one in Thatcher.
Graham County’s total is at 808 confirmed cases with 24 deaths.
Graham County Health Department, in conjunction with the Arizona National Guard and Arizona State University, will conduct another testing blitz Saturday, Sept. 26, at Graham County Fairgrounds. Funding was provided by the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties.
Appointments for Saturday’s free testing blitz at Graham County Fairgrounds are strongly encouraged.
To reserve a time, log in at https://asubioempportal.pointnclick.com and enter the agency code SALIVATEST. Once logged-in to the portal, click on “Appointments” to schedule a time. Arrive no more than 15 minutes before scheduled.
Requirements of the saliva test include:
• One must wear a protective face covering — either cloth or surgical mask
• Bring the QR code received after scheduling a test appointment
• 30 minutes before the appointment, rinse the mouth with plain water for 20-30 seconds and then spit the water out
• Do not eat, drink (even water), smoke, vape or chew gum for 30 minutes prior to the appointment time (any of these factors may cause an invalid test and/or the test may be rejected by clinical personnel at site collection)
• Staying well hydrated by drinking water the day before and up to 30 minutes prior to the test will speed the saliva collection process.
Results will be available at the online portal about 48 hours after the test.
Greenlee County is now at Day 47 without a new case of COVID-19.
Of the county’s 58 total number of cases, 56 people have recovered and there have been two deaths.
