MOHAVE COUNTY, AZ (April 15, 2020) – The Mohave County Health Department MCDPH-Nursing staff was notified this afternoon of another positive COVID-19 case in the Kingman service area. This individual is in the 20-44 age range, is in isolation and is recovering at home. Nurses will initiate the contact investigation soon; At this time it cannot be determined if the case is epidemiologically-linked to another case or travel-related.

This new case brings to 51 the total positives in Mohave County. There are now 18 positive confirmed cases in the Lake Havasu City area, including two earlier deaths, 29 in Kingman, and 4 in Bullhead City.

The best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Please remember to keep your Social Distancing – At least 6 Feet apart! Stay at home if at all possible.

Here is some important advice about face masks –

The CDC is recommending that people wear cloth face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 from those who may have the virus, but are not experiencing any symptoms.

Research shows that people without symptoms can infect others and that the virus may spread when people speak or breathe — not just when they cough or sneeze. “In light of this new evidence, the CDC recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other distancing measures are difficult to maintain,” US Surgeon General Adams said.

CDC advises the use of a simple cloth face mask to help slow the spread of COVID-19.  These face masks should fit snugly against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, include multiple layers of cloth, allow breathing without restriction, and be machine washable, without causing damage to the shape or size of the mask.  Cloth masks should be washed regularly; a washing machine should suffice for cleaning.  When removing the mask, everyone should be careful not to touch eyes, nose, or mouth, and wash hands immediately after mask removal.

The cloth face masks recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. These are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers, first responders, and other emergency personnel.

The cloth face mask doesn’t replace the need for frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, or the practice of physical distancing.  Face masks should not be placed on young children under 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or are unable to remove the mask without assistance.  For more information about wearing a mask, please visit the CDC’s website at:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

ALSO —

o   Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

o   Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

o   Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

o   Stay home when you are sick, or if you are a not an essential employee.

o   Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.

o   Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

COVID-19 spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. For people with mild illness, individuals are asked to stay home, drink plenty of fluids, and get rest. For people with more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, individuals are advised to seek healthcare, using telemedicine where available.

Mohave County activated its Health Department Operations Center on February 1, 2020, after the first case of travel-associated COVID-19 was confirmed in Arizona. The Health Department Operations Center remains open to coordinate the County’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more information about the COVID-19 response in Arizona, go online to: https://azdhs.gov/

For more detailed information about COVID-19 in Mohave County, please visit https://covid-19-mohave.hub.arcgis.com/.