PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has been awarded $150 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to a press release issued Tuesday afternoon, the funding comes from the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act of 2020.
“This additional funding will support the critical needs of Arizona public health departments as we work with our partners to augment activities to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Cara Christ, ADHS director.
ADHS officials say to date, 220,612 people have been tested in Arizona with 161,571 diagnostic tests and 59,041 serology tests.
In addition, the Department is working with local public health departments to expand contact tracing, which helps to identify close contacts of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 so they can self-isolate and prevent the spread of the disease to others.
With widespread community transmission of COVID-19 and increased testing ADHS expects to see more cases of COVID-19 reported in Arizona.
Officials say those who are vulnerable to COVID-19, should continue to stay at home and avoid large crowds.
