Editor's note: With our coronavirus coverage, the Star is not trying to alarm the public but to provide up-to-date information so you can make educated decisions about your health. Because of this, weβve made all coverage related to COVID-19 free.Β Help us continue this important work by subscribing to the Star.Β Click here toΒ see the latest coronavirus updates in Southern Arizona. Β
Banner-University Medical Center and other health-care sites will soon have drive- thru screening locations to allow symptomatic Arizonans to be tested for coronavirus, the stateβs chief health official said Tuesday.
βIn order to support this activity I have issued a standing order that will allow symptomatic Arizonans to receive screening at these sites,β said Cara Christ, director of Arizona Department of Health Services, during a news conference with Gov. Doug Ducey and Tucson medical leaders at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Innovation Building.
The standing order allows patients to receive a test without a physicianβs request for one. This only applies to the drive-thru sites, according to the health services department.
βThe drive-thru has actually already started β Banner did a soft run up in Phoenix yesterday to identify what they would need to do in order to improve and expand to additional sites,β said Christ. βTGEN partnered with one of the health-care partners up in Flagstaff and also offered a drive-thru.β
Arizona, as of Tuesday afternoon, had 20 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with nine in Maricopa, five in Pinal, four in Pima and one each in Graham and Navajo counties.
The Arizona State Public Health Lab has tested 221 individuals, has ruled out the virus in 142 people and has 66 tests pending. This number doesnβt account for testing conducted in private commercial labs.
βWe do know there are national shortages of the test reagents which could delay the time a lab is returning results,β Christ said. βWe work on a daily basis to try and gather that information, but we donβt have the total number of people who are actually being tested through our commercial labs.β
Currently, about 2,000 tests can be completed a day as state health officials explore options for expansion.
However, the state is already seeing staff shortages, according to Christ, with some employees already working overtime hours.
Thereβs also the national shortage of masks, but more are expected next week from Strategic National Stockpile, which will provide masks, gowns and gloves, she said.
But thereβs no word as of yet on shipments of ventilators for those in critical care.
As testing continues, Banner Health and Sonora Quest (Laboratories) opened their first patient testing sites to βincrease the speed and viabilityβ of the testing, said Ducey, adding that LabCorp, TGEN, Mayo Clinic and Arup are also testing Arizonans privately.
Christ said the goal is to continue mitigating the spread of the virus and lessen the effect on those with the highest risk, such as older adults and people with serious medical conditions.
She detailed new guidelines, such as avoiding social gatherings of more than 10 people, instead of the 50 previously cited.
Tucson Medical Center is taking increased precautions, said the hospitalβs chief medical officer, Rick Anderson.
βWeβre putting what we feel as necessary measures to prevent increased visitors into our hospital as a way to protect our staff and patients,β said Anderson.
βBe aware that we are watching and making sure that people entering the building are screened and donβt have signs of COVID-19.β
Ducey also used Tuesdayβs event as a call to action for Arizonans as donated blood supplies reached βdangerously lowβ levels and food banks need increased community support.
State health officials are working to address issues of safely extracting blood during the coronavirus outbreak.
βCOVID-19 is a challenge unlike any weβve faced as a state or a nation and we need everyone to pitch in,β Ducey said.
Photos for March 19: Tucson area gets by during coronavirus pandemic
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Abigail Plano, the farmer's market coordinator for the Community Food Bank, left, holds up what is available for purchase and takes an order from Elva De La Torre at the Mercado District on March 19, 2020. The Santa Cruz Farmer's Market on Thursdays at the district is canceled for the time being due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Plano planned to still serve customers, especially those on food stamps and any other public assistance. She said farmers dropped off their produce at the food bank on Thursday morning and it was sorted. At the Mercado District customers gave their orders and were brought bags to their cars.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Abigail Plano, the farmer's market coordinator for the Community Food Bank, left, takes an order from a customer from their car at the Mercado District. The Santa Cruz Farmer's Market on Thursdays at the district is canceled for the time being due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Plano planned to still serve customers, especially those on food stamps and any other public assistance. She said farmers dropped off their produce at the food bank on Thursday morning and it was sorted. At the Mercado District customers gave their orders and were brought bags to their cars. March 19, 2020.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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The Santa Cruz Farmer's Market on Thursdays at the Mercado District is canceled for the time being due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Abigail Plano, the farmer's market coordinator for the Community Food Bank, left, planned to still serve customers, especially those on food stamps and any other public assistance. She said farmers dropped off their produce at the food bank on Thursday morning and it was sorted. At the Mercado District customers gave their orders and were brought bags to their cars. March 19, 2020.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Andreas Anderson, a community foods coordinator with the Community Food Bank, yells out that there are no more apples as he fulfills an order during the drive-up farmers market at the Mercado San Agustin.Β
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Andreas Anderson, a community foods coordinator with the Community Food Bank, places a bag of food into a customer's car during the weekly drive-up farmers market Thursdays at Mercado San Agustin.Β
Tucson area, COVID-19
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Victor Sanchez, a cook at Robert's Restaurant, holds a sign up to let to let passing drivers know they are still open at 3301 E Grant Road, on March 19, 2020. Restaurants and other small businesses are taking huge losses as people self quarantine and self distance to diminish the spread of coronavirus.
Tucson-area, COVID-19
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Clyde Neiman, 4, rides his bike around the Menlo Park neighborhood Thursday morning on March 19, 2020. His mother, Kylie Walzak, says she's trying to keep him on a schedule everyday. Outside time is in the morning followed by a snack.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Hillenbrand Stadium sits empty and locked in the middle of what should be the Arizona Wildcats softball season, one of many closures, locally and nationally, due to COVID-19 distancing measures, March 18, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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A pedestrian walks by the shuttered doors and windows of the Surly Wench Pub, the day after the city's drinking establishments were shut down due to COVID-19 distancing measures, March 18, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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The Rialto Theater strikes a defiant tone on its marquee the day after much of the city's entertainment, drinking and eating establishments were closed due to COVID-19 distancing measures, March 18, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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City of Tucson parking enforcement officer Matthew Boepple cleans meters along Congress Street, on March 18, 2020. According to Boepple, the city began cleaning meters on Tuesday in response to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19.)
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Lorraine Mariscal writes down an order at Michaβs Restaurant on 2908 South Fourth Avenue, on March 18, 2020. Restaurants in Tucson are switching to take-out and delivery services only as a response to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19.)
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Alex Franco, owner of Michaβs Restaurant at 2908 South Fourth Avenue, sets takeout boxes on the the window to front of house to be picked up by customers, on March 18, 2020. Restaurants in Tucson are switching to take-out and delivery services only as a response to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19.)
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Volunteer Chelsea Forer adds canned food into bags of supplies at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona in Tucson at 3003 S. Country Club Road, on March 18, 2020. The food bank started a drive through pick up service to allow for social distancing in response to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19.)
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Volunteers help guide vehicle and deliver food into vehicles at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona in Tucson at 3003 S. Country Club Road, on March 18, 2020. The food bank started a drive through pick up service to allow for social distancing in response to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19.)
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Volunteer Bill Rauch loads food supplies into the trunk of a car at the Community Food Bank at 3003 S. Country Club Road, on March 18, 2020. The food bank started a drive through pick up service to allow for social distancing in response to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19.)
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Daniel Soto reaches for a bag of chicken breast tossed to him from another volunteer at the Community Food Bank at 3003 S. Country Club Road, on March 18, 2020. The food bank started a drive through pick up service to allow for social distancing in response to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19.)
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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A volunteer marks the window of a car with a food order at the Community Food Bank at 3003 S. Country Club Road, on March 18, 2020. The food bank started a drive through pick up service to allow for social distancing in response to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19.)
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Volunteers Kim Harding and Danny Padilla load up a track with food supplies at the Community Food Bank at 3003 S. Country Club Road, on March 18, 2020. The food bank started a drive through pick up service to allow for social distancing in response to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19.)
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Logan Rios, a server at Rocco's Little Chicago, 2707 E Broadway Blvd., cleans off the counter after a customer picked up a to-go order on March 18, 2020. Rios says his primary job now is to take orders from customers from either over the phone and walk-ins and pack up their food to-go. Due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Tucson restaurants were ordered to close their dining rooms and switch to take-out only for the time being.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Logan Rios, a server at Rocco's Little Chicago, 2707 E Broadway Blvd., preps an order for takeout on March 18, 2020. Rios says his primary job now is to take orders from customers from either over the phone and walk-ins and pack up their food to-go. Due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Tucson restaurants were ordered to close their dining rooms and switch to take-out only for the time being.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Lead teacher Crystal Sierra gets the attention of most of the remaining students, about a third of the normal number of kids, while trying to get an art project underway at Small Marvels preschool, March 17, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Assistant director Alma Samaniego spritzes out the hand sanitizer before serving up the afternoon snack to about a third of the normal number of kids, and with only one other staffer, half the staff at Small Marvels preschool, March 17, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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A Parking Service Agent for the City of Tucson wipes down parking meters on E. University Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 18, 2020. Due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), the City of Tucson is sanitizing popular areas such as the University of Arizona, 4th Ave. and Downtown areas.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Light shines on a community board while all lights are off through out Roadhouse Cinemas, 4811 E. Grant Rd., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 17, 2020. Due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), all movie theaters, gyms, restaurants, malls, etc. are closed. To help keep some of Roadhouse Cinemas employees working, Roadhouse will offer take out and delivery from their kitchen, according to Scott Cassell, Director of business operations for Roadhouse Cinemas.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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While trying to pass the time due to COVID-19, Ryan Iker, right, unemployed bartender, and Matt Oliver, unemployed chef, play basketball at the University of Arizona on March 17, 2020. We knew the basketball court would be empty said Iker as he shot the ball.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Construction crew members walk out of No Anchovies! with their pizza in togo containers in Tucson, Ariz., on March 17, 2020. Due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), some local restaurants are serving food in togo containers, by delivery or online ordering.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Jeff Poppe, freshman nutrition major, loads items from his dorm room into his fathers car in front of Γrbol de la Vida at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., on March 17, 2020. Students are packing up their dorm rooms due classes begin switched to online only because of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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A woman loads her car with items from her child's dorm room in front of Γrbol de la Vida at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., on March 17, 2020. Students are packing up their dorm rooms due classes begin switched to online only because of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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The produce section is all but cleared out at Albertsons, 9595 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on the evening of March 17, 2020. Due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), there are shortages of items at grocery stores such as canned goods, meats, cleaning items,
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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The produce section is all but cleared out at Safeway, 10380 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on the evening of March 17, 2020. Due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), there are shortages of items at grocery stores such as canned goods, meats, cleaning items,
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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A young man runs past Cole and Jeannie Davis Indoor Sports facility at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., on March 17, 2020.Β
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Sheri Bright, cafeteria manager at Picture Rocks Elementary School, hands out meals at the Marana Cares Mobile at the corner of Sandario Road. and Anthony Road. The program feeds kids over school breaks who rely on school meals.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Brittany Summerkamp grabs a tray of food for her daughter, Molly, as her son, Dakota, far right, watches, as they pick up food at the Marana Cares Mobile at the corner of Sandario and Anthony Roads in Marana. The program feeds kids over school breaks who rely on school meals.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Sheri Bright, cafeteria manager at Picture Rocks Elementary School, inside the Marana Cares Mobile, hands out meals to kids at the 16560 W. El Tiro Road. The program feeds kids over school breaks who rely on school meals.Β
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Charles Montes, second from right, brought his six grandchildren to receive meals from Sheri Bright, cafeteria manager at Picture Rocks Elementary School, inside the Marana Cares Mobile, at the 16560 W. El Tiro Road location in Marana, Ariz. on March 17, 2020. The program feeds kids over school breaks who rely on school meals. School districts across Pima County are coming up with plans to continue food distribution during a two week shutdown of schools due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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The Arizona Inn located at 2200 E Elm Street has temporarily closed and boarded up their entrances due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) concerns on March 17, 2020.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Customers wait in line at Costco, 6255 E. Grant Rd., on March 17, 2020 in Tucson, Ariz. Lines at Costco wrapped around Costco since 8:30am this morning, according to customers. People are buying paper towels, toilet paper, canned goods and wipes in bulk due to the outbreak of COVID-19, known as the Coronavirus.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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After shopping at Costco, Kevin Bonny loads his truck with supplies at Costco, 6255 E. Grant Rd., on March 17, 2020 in Tucson, Ariz. People are buying paper towels, toilet paper, canned goods and wipes in bulk due to the outbreak of COVID-19, known as the Coronavirus.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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After shopping at Costco, Nancy Wilson, left, and her husband Harry Wilson walk back to their car in the Costco parking lot, 6255 E. Grant Rd., on March 17, 2020 in Tucson, Ariz. People are buying paper towels, toilet paper, canned goods and wipes in bulk due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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A family member fixes a childs mask while waiting in line at Costco, 6255 E. Grant Rd., on March 17, 2020 in Tucson, Ariz. Lines at Costco wrapped around Costco since 8:30am this morning, according to customers. People are buying paper towels, toilet paper, canned goods and wipes in bulk due to the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Two customers wearing masks check the length of the line at Costco, 6255 E. Grant Rd., on March 17, 2020 in Tucson, Ariz. Lines at Costco wrapped around Costco since 8:30am this morning, according to customers. People are buying paper towels, toilet paper, canned goods and wipes in bulk due to the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
The Hut, closure, COVID-19
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The front gate to The Hut on 4th Avenue in Tucson is chained and padlocked in the early afternoon on St. Patrick's Day after the city announced that bars and restaurants had to close their doors by 8 p.m., March 17, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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Ian Johnson fills a trio of crowlers, 32 ounce containers, for a take-out customer, at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. on March 17, 2020, hours before the Tucson mayor's order forcing bars to close and restricting restaurants to takeout.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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A temporary closure sign hangs on the entrance of the Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, on March 17, 2020. Tucson Parks and Recreation Department announced they would be closing community centers and public pools till the end of the month as a result of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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A tennis player winds up for a serve at Reffkin Tennis Center, on March 17, 2020. Tucson Parks and Recreation Department announced they would be closing community centers and public pools till the end of the month as a result of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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James DeDitius points at ducks as he sits with caregiver Mary Figueroa on a bench next to a lake at Reid Park, on March 17, 2020. The two were trying to spend some time outside at a distance from other people as Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) continues to grow throughout the United States. The Tucson Parks and Recreation Department announced that they would be closing community rec centers and public pools through the end of the month. Tennis courts, golf courses and general public areas will remain open at this time.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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A temporary closure sign hangs on the gate into the Randolph Recreation Center's outdoor handball courts, on March 17, 2020. Tucson Parks and Recreation Department announced they would be closing community centers and public pools till the end of the month as a result of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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A voter carries in a ballot to a polling place at Himmel Park Library at 1035 N Treat Avenue during primary elections, on March 17, 2020.
Tucson-area, Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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A canvasser (left) and polling volunteer (right) measure out 75 feet outside a polling place at Himmel Park Library at 1035 N Treat Avenue during primary elections, on March 17, 2020.
