COVID-19 reports look at impact of mitigation measures in Arizona; outbreak during family gathering

COVID-19 cases in Arizona fell 75% between July 13 and Aug. 7 after sustained community mitigation measures that promoted social distancing, required or encouraged mask wearing, limited large gatherings, and paused business operations where mask use and social distancing were difficult to maintain, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported today. “State, local, and tribal officials are best positioned to continually monitor data and collaborate to determine the level and types of enhanced mitigation required,” the authors said.

Another new CDC report describes a COVID-19 outbreak during a three-week family gathering, in which a 13-year-old with mild symptoms was the suspected primary patient. Eleven subsequent cases occurred. All but two of 14 relatives who stayed in the same house and did not wear face masks or practice physical distancing developed COVID-19 symptoms. Another six relatives who did not wear face masks but remained outdoors and maintained physical distance did not develop symptoms, highlighting the benefit of physical distancing as a mitigation strategy, the authors said.