SAFFORD – Graham County Health Department announced Thursday two new positive cases of COVID-19, making four positive cases in the last two days and bringing the county’s total to six since the start of the pandemic.
The two new cases came as a result of testing of those who came in contact with the two people who tested positive on Wednesday. Both of the people who tested positive Thursday live in the same household.
The two people who tested positive Wednesday do not live in the same household, but do share a workplace.
The Health Department identified the age ranges of all six who have tested positive thus far – one teenager, three people age 35 to 45 and two age 65 and older. Genders have not yet been released.
The first two identified in March live in Pima and have both fully recovered. The latest four live in Safford and Pima.
Health Department officials said they continue to investigate the incidents, seeking to identify those who may have come in contact with those who have tested positive.
” We as a county are continually preparing to care for the afflicted, as this virus is spreading throughout our state. There is no treatment or vaccine for COVID-19 at this time, so we are focusing heavily on prevention,” the Health Department said in the announcement.
Preventative measures include:
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
● Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
● Stay home when sick.
● Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash.
● Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular EPA-registered household cleaning spray or wipes.
● Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
● Wear a facemask when in public.
● When shopping, limit the number of people who go the store. If possible, pick one person from the household to do the shopping
On Wednesday, Gov Doug Ducey announced the first step in re-opening the state would be allowing hospitals and outpatient surgery centers to conduct elective procedures starting May 1. However, he said the stay-at-home executive order remains in effect.
