What You Need to Know - Week of October 31st

1. Urgent Updates: COVID-19 Metrics

Updated as of: 11-01-2022

Weekly case, death, and hospitalization counts

2. National Native American Heritage Month

Happy National Native American Heritage Month! Since 1986, the United States has honored over 12,000 years of Native American history, culture, and art every year in November. This month provides a time to reflect, educate, and expand your knowledge of Native American culture. With 22 federally recognized tribes in Arizona, there are plenty of Native American cultures and voices to learn from! Throughout the month, Arizona State University will be uplifting Native American voices with presentations from Tribal communities across the state. To learn more about the history of Native American culture throughout local and national tribal communities, explore over 18,000 photographs from The Bureau of Indian Affairs! For more information about indigenous art, food, stories, and heritage, check out IndigiWellbeing, an organization that focuses on strengthening Indigenous communities through wellness events! Although Native American Heritage Month officially ends at the end of November, continue celebrating and learning more about Indigenous culture–  join the two-day Arizona Indian Festival in February 2023! 

3. Extension of the Public Health Emergency 

A Public Health Emergency was initially announced in January 2020 in response to the global COVID-19 outbreak. The Public Health Emergency allows for new healthcare policies to help individuals be resilient throughout a time of uncertainty. Although there has been a decrease in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States, the government has again extended the Public Health Emergency through January 2023, when it will be reevaluated and potentially extended for an additional 90 days. We’ve answered some questions about the recent renewal, and what will happen when the Public Health Emergency ends:
 

• Will the end of the Public Health Emergency affect my healthcare status?
  • At the beginning of the pandemic, Congress passed legislation to prevent individuals from being unenrolled from their healthcare programs during the duration of the Public Health Emergency. Individuals enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Programs, will need to check their eligibility and status to ensure they can continue to receive healthcare. Individuals enrolled in AHCCCS can find information on how to check eligibility status from our previous article.
• Will I have access to COVID-19 testing and treatments when the Public Health Emergency ends?
  • Depending on your insurance status, COVID-19 testing and treatment may still be available for free or at a reduced price. Check with your insurance provider to see their updated COVID-19 protocols. Find free community based testing sites near you, here! 
• When will the public health emergency end? 
  • The current extension of the public health emergency will last until January 11, 2023. If extended, the public health emergency will renew for another 90 days. Although there is no indication as to whether it will be extended, the current Congressional Administration has indicated they will give a 60-day notice before the end. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response will make any updates on the Public Health Emergency here.