PHOENIX — A 90-year-old man is one of three new 'presumptive positive' coronavirus cases in Arizona, officials announced Wednesday.
In a short statement posted to Twitter, Maricopa County Public Health wrote, "the case is a man in his 90's who is recovering in the hospital in stable condition."
For more information on COVID-19 in Maricopa County, please visit https://t.co/g1iWRFBhfw. pic.twitter.com/OtlpatD3X3
— Public Health (@Maricopahealth) March 11, 2020
ABC15 has confirmed that Maricopa County is "working with the facility on approved cleaning recommendations." However, Maricopa County health officials have not disclosed what facility, or even what part of Maricopa County it is in.
BREAKING: @abc15 is learning that Maricopa Co health officials are working with a ‘facility’ on approved cleaning recommendations after a 90-year-old man, in stable condition, tested positive for #COVID19. 🦠 no one has told us what ‘facility,’ or what part of Maricopa Co.
— Nicole Grigg (@NicoleSGrigg) March 11, 2020
The social media post went on to say, "MCDPH is currently investigating to identify close contacts of this case and make recommendations to prevent further spread."
Arizona's Health Care Association sent out a memo to its nearly 200 members made up of long-term care facilities with the recommended protocols they should be taking.
It includes:
- Actively screening every person who comes into a center: family visitors, staff, contractors, government officials - anyone who is coming in
- Limiting visits to only those who are essential (AHCA/NCAL and CMS are defining "essential" slightly differently)
- Focusing on good hand hygiene
- Exploring alternate ways for residents to stay in touch with their loved ones
- Encouraging SNFs to provide communication and updates to families
State health officials have also not responded to our request on what facility was this man at, and if others were exposed.
LIVE UPDATES: Coronavirus in Arizona
ABC15 has learned there will be a press conference at 3 p.m. Wednesday with health officials regarding the virus.
