ARIZONA NEWS
Gov. Doug Ducey’s executive order to increase coronavirus data gathering
PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey announced a new executive order on Tuesday mandating the expansion of coronavirus data tracking.
“Today’s order is about enhancing the data available to us so we can continue to make the best data-driven decisions to protect public health,” Ducey said in a press release.
The executive order is aimed at protecting medical workers and patients by requiring health care facilities and hospitals to track information related to the number of Intensive Care Unit beds and ventilators in use, estimated daily use of personal protective equipment and the amount of suspected COVID-19 patients visiting emergency rooms per day.
“This additional step helps ensure we are taking all steps necessary to prepare and slow the spread of COVID-19,” Ducey said.
This is the second executive order the governor has signed regarding coronavirus data tracking.
On March 23, Ducey signed an Enhanced Surveillance Advisory order that was said to strengthen the ability of Arizona Department of Health Services to respond to the outbreak along with accelerating the documentation of coronavirus cases.
Ducey has issued 19 executive orders, including four on Tuesday, since declaring a public health emergency over the coronavirus outbreak on March 11.
The AZDHS announced Tuesday morning the state’s total number of positive coronavirus cases to be 2,575 with a death toll of 73.
