May's Tucson-area coronavirus coverage: Cases rise, judge rules that state can keep nursing home data from public

Advocates in Arizona ask that Gov. Doug Ducey amend his virus outbreak order to help prevent rental debt and homelessness.

Most virus-related deaths in Pima County were older, lower-income people with pre-existing conditions, a new report shows. 

It will also provide an early warning system about levels of the coronavirus in the community if there's another spike in the fall, University of Arizona experts say.

Data released last week appeared to show COVID-19 cases in Arizona had peaked. But it turns out it was just a lag in reporting of new cases.

The 2020 primary election is approaching. While people are being encouraged to vote by mail, the Pima County Recorder’s Office is also taking precautions for those who prefer to vote early in person or drop off their mail ballot at an early voting location.

Arizonans won't be learning which nursing homes have residents who contracted COVID-19, at least not from the state.

Nearly $250 million in federal CARES Act funding was allocated for Arizona K-12 schools, including district schools, many charter schools and nonprofit private schools.

The governor also gave the go-ahead Thursday for summer day camps to open next week and for youth sports to restart now.

The plan includes $22 million in community aid, $38 million in funding for the continuity of city operations and services and $33 million in reserves in anticipation of a potential resurgence of the coronavirus.

Governor is allocating only $441 million, a quarter of the more than $1.9 billion he is getting in coronavirus relief dollars. He'll set aside most of the rest for the state's future needs.

A University of Arizona researcher identified four compounds that can block the replication of the coronavirus within a cell. It's a promising starting point for the development of drugs that can treat COVID-19.

Should on-campus housing open as expected in the fall, undergraduates can expect a price increase. 

The most recent data from the organization that help people book reservations finds that dine-in seating at the restaurants surveyed is down about 60% from the same time a year ago. Most restaurants spent several weeks closed entirely to dine-in patrons.

A legal clinic run by the Tucson-based humanitarian aid group No More Deaths is working to get immigrants released from custody during the coronavirus pandemic.

Tucson students are invited to participate in a virtual forum this week on how the coronavirus has impacted them academically and socially, and what they'd like to see happen moving forward. 

A gain in electricity use by residents didn't offset a sharp decline in use by commercial and industrial customers.

Education news from Tucson and Southern Arizona.

The labor union believes a coronavirus outbreak inside the UPS facility has transformed it into a hub for spreading the virus through Arizona. 

Concerns for older worshippers who are at higher risk for contracting the virus, and are most likely to attend services, are at the forefront for Tucson churches. 

Less than one third of the state's preschools and centers are open, due in part to little demand from parents during the pandemic

More than 71% of those surveyed said they feel unsafe or very unsafe around others, even with social distancing practices still in effect, according to the latest Arizona Daily Star Community Pulse poll.

Firm landed University of Arizona president Robert Robbins on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC to help spread the message about the school's effort to re-open for classes in the fall semester. Officials say the campaign brought in $650,000 in donations.

Arizona Attorney General's Office said COVID-19 surcharges need to be disclosed up front to customers.

Snippets of life from the Old Pueblo while sheltering in place.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted Thursday to amend a set of controversial regulations for businesses through the duration of the pandemic.

State senators will return to work Tuesday to consider up to 30 proposed laws, then adjourn.

The fourth Saturday of the testing blitz is scheduled for this Saturday.

Tucson city manager apologizes for "hot mic" comments; Sen. Martha McSally muddies hydroxychloroquine debate at telephonic town hall.

Victims or their survivors could sue only if they could show someone was grossly negligent, rather than merely negligent.

Local artists, dancers, engineers and more are working with Tucson students to form community relationships.

Gov. Doug Ducey said Wednesday he won't rescind his order that prevents Arizonans from using a drug in the experimental way President Trump is during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Sites will be open for the long Memorial Day weekend, and officials expect large crowds.

The party-line vote to keep the session open came as the GOP majority said it's time to stop worrying about the virus and get back to the regular business of the Legislature.

With coronavirus a continued threat, plans are being made for how on-campus housing and learning will look at the University of Arizona in August. 

The Pima County Board of Supervisors postponed a vote to amend a set of temporary health code regulations that have sparked controversy throughout the county and state. 

Nix the balloons, flowers and gifts, but don't forget a face mask for TUSD's in-person graduation ceremonies this summer. 

The Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System will continue with implemented safety measures, including screenings and social distancing.

City plan would be to test about 1,000 people a day for two months, starting with city employees, before expanding to public.

Owner hopes to reopen in late May or early June. 

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across Arizona is 14,566, the Arizona Department of Health Services said.

The new figure brings to nearly 577,000 the number of Arizonans who have sought unemployment compensation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead, the maximum penalty for violating emergency orders — such as the COVID-19 orders — would be a civil fine of $100.

Legislation would make it harder for someone who contracts COVID-19 to sue a business where they believe they were infected or a company that made a device that did not provide promised protection from the virus.

As of last week, 84 long-term-care residents and one staff member have died from COVID-19. That represents nearly 60% of the county’s total virus deaths.

The government is being urged to automatically extend work authorizations for DACA recipients, many of whom serve in health care and as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fallout could mean a rise in vaccine-preventable illnesses, ongoing child abuse and neglect, mental health challenges

Have you cleaned out a closet or two while sheltering in place? Have you cleaned out the garage as well?

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona topped 13,900 on Sunday, according to new state figures.

At least in the Tucson-area, small the small testing total was caused by a number of factors, including difficulties securing test kits, a lack of equity of test site locations and limits on who can get tested, according to local officials.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across Arizona is 13,631, the Arizona Department of Health Services said.

Mayor Regina Romero "strongly advises" residents to wear masks and employers to let workers telecommute during the COVID-19 pandemic

An investigation into Pima County's proclamation will be conducted the Arizona Attorney General over the next 30 days.

The University of Arizona's livestreamed commencement ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. The pre-show starts at 5: 30 p.m.

$3.5 million in state funding will provide 250,000 antibody tests to Arizonans, officials say.

Gov. Doug Ducey urges businesses: "Please make sure there is good behavior ... We don't need any outliers or bad actors.''

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across Arizona is 13,169, the Arizona Department of Health Services said.

The state's largest operator of theaters is waiting for the release of anticipated summer blockbusters. 

The poster campaign has gained financial backing from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, along with city and county support.

Border Patrol agents and customs officers in southern Arizona now must wear protective masks when dealing with the public during the coronavir…

After a two-month coronavirus closure, local gyms were able to open their doors with social distancing practices in place. 

The aircraft will fly over "a variety of facilities that support the fight against COVID-19," including hospitals and police and fire stations across Southern Arizona.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across Arizona is 12,674, the Arizona Department of Health Services said.

Expanding on Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s recommendations, the guidelines are intended to protect employees and customers.

The popular west-side hiking spot will have tightened guidelines due to COVID-19. 

With statewide coronavirus restrictions easing, the Pima County Library plans to re-open branches with limited services. But no browsing will be allowed. Books and other items have to be reserved online for pickup for the time being.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across Arizona is 12,176, the Arizona Department of Health Services said.

The delay, one of a number of additional changes, represents at least the second modification to the plan since it was announced by UA President Robert Robbins on April 17.

Several Tucson restaurants got off to a slow start Monday, the first day eateries were allowed to offer dine-in service since coronavirus restrictions went into effect. 

The organization has decided not to host any in-person celebrations for the 2020 calendar year.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across Arizona is 11,736, the Arizona Department of Health Services said.

The county says the measures are intended to protect Tucson's food service employees and customers as much as possible.

Yaqui and the Tohono O’odham leaders included additional requirements in their executive orders to ensure their communities stay as safe as possible during the pandemic.

Tucson’s air quality suffered a relapse from its coronavirus-fueled cleanup last week, and there’s a good chance Phoenix’s typically bad air p…

Religious gatherings have been listed as a constitutionally protected essential activity in Governor Doug Ducey’s executive orders regarding activity restriction during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across Arizona is 10,960, the Arizona Department of Health Services said.

Tucson educators jump into action to keep families afloat during the coronavirus school closures and economic devastation, providing computers, food, tech support and even covering electric and water bills.

Advocates have called for the release of immigrant detainees since the pandemic began, citing rising COVID-19 cases and a confirmed death.

A group of teens threw a small "isolation prom." They wanted an opportunity to don their prom clothes and have one last hurrah together, ending a high school career they didn't know would so abruptly come to a close.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across Arizona is 10,526, the Arizona Department of Health Services said.