Update On Arizona Medical Supplies
PHOENIX — Arizona has now received 75 percent of its Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) allocation, totaling more than 1.2 million medical supplies to date. Earlier this month, Arizona was the first in our FEMA region to receive a SNS delivery.
“Our health professionals work day and night to care for Arizonans — and we are working to protect their health and safety,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “These shipments from the Strategic National Stockpile include thousands of masks, face shields, surgical gowns, gloves and more that our hospitals will need in the coming months. Arizona is grateful to everyone working to protect public health and safety, including doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and first responders.”
The supplies are overseen by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and will continue to be distributed by counties throughout the state. So far, the SNS has provided to Arizona:
181,260 N95 masks;
532,500 surgical face masks;
85,248 face shields,
59,631 surgical gowns;
361 coveralls;
And 431,438 latex, non-latex and nitrile gloves.
Additionally, ADHS was able to secure the last Federal Medical Station (FMS) to provide additional beds to the Navajo Nation, which is currently experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19. The Arizona National Guard deployed to the Nation and set up the FMS, providing an additional 50 beds and medical resources to the area.
Arizona is also taking proactive measures to ensure adequate medical supplies are available. ADHS is working with the Arizona Coalition for Hospital Emergency Response (AzCHER) to provide $10 million dollars from the Public Health Emergency Fund for hospitals to acquire additional ventilators. The Department signed a contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reactivate St. Luke’s Hospital in Phoenix to bring an additional 340 acute care and ICU beds to the state. This will increase Arizona’s capacity to treat high acuity COVID-19 patients.
Governor Ducey has signed multiple Executive Orders aimed at increasing Personal Protective Equipment and medical resources in the state. Last week, Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order ensuring Arizona hospitals increase capacity to prepare for a potential influx of patients due to COVID-19. As part of the Executive Order, hospitals will be required to report to ADHS the number of currently licensed medical-surgical beds, ICU beds and the number of additional beds that can be added. During the prior week, Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order halting all elective surgeries in the state of Arizona to free up medical resources and maintain the capacity for hospitals and providers to continue offering vital services.
Ducey Signs Legislation To Expand Access To Unemployment Benefits
PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey signed S.B. 1694, legislation to expand access to unemployment benefits for Arizonans affected by COVID-19 by waiving certain Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) eligibility requirements. The legislation, which was sponsored by Senate President Karen Fann and House Speaker Rusty Bowers, passed the Arizona Legislature on March 23 with unanimous support.
“Arizona will continue to provide support to those in need while we combat the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Ducey. “This legislation will waive certain requirements for unemployment eligibility, giving hardworking Arizonans the helping hand they need while we get through this difficult time. My sincere thanks to Senate President Fann, Speaker Bowers and members of the Arizona Legislature for working to support our fellow Arizonans.”
The legislation will make more Arizonans eligible for unemployment benefits during the outbreak. It also aligns Arizona eligibility requirements with federal guidance for individuals and employers directly affected by COVID-19. While Unemployment Insurance is typically only available to individuals who have lost their job, this bill expands eligibility to individuals in the following situations:
Individuals who are not receiving wages due to their workplace closing due to COVID-19 — even if the individual intends to go back to work when the business reopens;
Individuals who are following directives to self-quarantine and intend to return to work;
And individuals who leave employment to care for a family member.
This legislation applies retroactively to March 10, 2020.
New Dollars For Rental Assistance
PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey announced $5 million in new funding to help Arizonans struggling to make rent due to COVID-19. The new dollars will be included as part of a Rental Eviction Prevention Assistance Program being launched by the Arizona Department of Housing and will help families and individuals who are facing a loss of income due to COVID-19 with monthly rent assistance.
“Because of COVID-19, many Arizonans are seeing their hours cut or even the loss of their jobs, and Arizona will be there to support them,” said Governor Ducey. “We want people to be able to continue making rent, while ensuring no one is forced out of their home because they got sick, someone in their family got sick, or they are facing economic hardship. We will continue to make assistance and resources available so families can get through this time and get back on their feet.”
