Joint statement from Pima County Chief Medical Officer Dr. Francisco Garcia and County Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Cullen about the need to remain vigilant and protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19:
“Today, we updated our Public Health Advisory and relaxed some of the protective practices we have recommended to slow or stop the spread of COVID-19 in our County. The community transmission of the virus has fallen from High to Substantial, which means the voluntary curfew is no longer necessary and we can increase the size of gatherings from 10 or fewer to 25 or fewer. We’re also reopening our parks to organized sports use, but with limitations to prevent the spread of the virus. Our case counts are falling and our vaccination rates are rising.
"This is all good and welcome news as we enter the second year of the pandemic. But let us be very clear – this pandemic is not over. Far from it. Hundreds of people are still contracting the virus every week and people are still dying from this disease. This is not the time to let our guard down. Several hundred thousand people in our County are still at risk for contracting COVID-19 and there is still a very real risk of the more virulent strains of COVID-19 that could be devastating if they are established here.
"Everyone still needs to be vigilant and protect themselves and others from the disease. Please, continue to wear your masks. Continue to keep your distance. Continue to reduce your exposure risk by avoiding public gatherings and staying home as much as possible. Please continue to wash your hands routinely.
"As we continue to make progress with vaccinations over the weeks and months ahead, and as the spread of the disease lessens, we will make further recommendations for loosening the protection rules and guidelines. But we still have many months to go before enough people are vaccinated that we can begin to consider the pandemic over. Until then, mask up, stay apart, stay home and wash your hands. “