Arizona Gov. Ducey extends reporting requirements for coronavirus, flu
Sep 8, 2020, 6:00 PM
PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order Tuesday that will extend the reporting requirements for health care facilities as the state prepares for flu season amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The order extends Arizona’s Enhanced Surveillance Advisory, which requires hospitals, testing laboratories and health care facilities to report detailed information to understand the spread of influenza in the community.
“COVID-19 and influenza season pose a dual threat to Arizona this year,” Ducey said in a press release Tuesday.
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“That’s why it is so important to get your flu shot and continue making responsible choices, such as masking up and staying physically distant.”
The extension requires facilities to report information about patients who have or are suspected of having the flu if they are inpatient, the number of ventilators in use, ICU beds in use and the number of patients seen in the emergency department.
The state already requires health care entities to report similar information about staff resources, ventilator availability, ICU bed availability, inpatient bed availability, personal protective equipment supply levels, medical supply levels and more.
Flu season typically runs from October to May, with January to March being the hardest hit months.
Last week, Ducey and Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ urged Arizonans to get a flu shot as soon as possible.
