Arizona leaders say they’re prepared for coronavirus
Health officials announce new in-state testing and website
PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona health officials say the state can now run it's own tests on potential coronavirus victims.
Dr. Cara Christ, the Director of the State Health Department, made the announcement at a press conference Monday afternoon. Christ said the state lab could process up to 450 samples a day. She said in many cases the results could be ready the same day. Officials say local testing will allow experts to make faster decisions about prevention and control.
So far Arizona only has one positive case of coronavirus. That person did travel to the outbreak's epicenter, Wuhan, China. They have since recovered.
That state has tested 25 possible patients, with only person testing positive. Dr. Christ warned the public to expect additional cases, but cautioned against panic. She says her team is prepared.
"We have decades of experience preparing and responding to public health issues." said Christ.
She says she considers Arizonans at low risk for contracting the disease "unless you have a history of travel or contact with an infected person."
State health officials have a new coronovirus website to keep the public apprised of the situation. They say they will update it with new case numbers every day by 9 a.m.
