Arizona Public Radio | Your Source for NPR News
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

KNAU's Morning Rundown: Wednesday, February 24

Arizona Ranks Among Highest 15 States In Percentage Of Vaccinated Residents

Arizona’s Department of Health Services says 15.2% of the state’s estimated population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine so far

NPR’s vaccine trackercurrently ranks Arizona as having the 13th highest percentage of partially or fully vaccinated residents in the country. Health officials are gearing up to launch a fourth state-run mass vaccination site — the location at Chandler-Gilbert community college will have capacity to administer 12,000 doses in a day, according to Governor Doug Ducey’s office. 

Shipment Arrives After Delay, Vaccinations Resume Today For Coconino County

COVID-19 vaccinations will resume today across Coconino County after a delayed shipment hindered appointments. The county has also rescheduled vaccinations in Fredonia for March 1 — residents can sign up before Friday at noon. Vaccinations at the Prescott Gateway Mall will resume today in neighboring Yavapai County. Severe winter weather in other parts of the country delayed the arrival of vaccines, interrupting appointments across the state in counties ranging from Mohave to Santa Cruz. 

Cases Decline On Hopi Reservation 

Hopi health officials on Feb. 22 reported 28 new COVID-19 cases within the last fourteen days — this week’s report shows a continued decline of cases on the reservation. In recent weeks, case numbers were highest among the Kykotsmovi and Polacca villages on the 9,000-person reservation. Officials have confirmed 1,241 positive tests have been confirmed among tribal members since the start of the pandemic at the Hopi Health Care Center and Tuba City Regional Healthcare Corporation.

Medicaid Will Reimburse Transportation Costs For Vaccines, Ducey Says

Arizona’s Medicaid agency says it will fund transportation for eligible seniors receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, according to Governor Doug Ducey’s office. The agency will reimburse non-emergency transportation (NEMT) providers who drive Medicaid recipients to vaccination appointments. Ducey says nearly a third of residents use the Arizona Healthcare Cost Containment System, which provides Medicaid in the state. The agency plans to train “vaccine navigators,” to assist Medicaid members in setting up appointments. The announcement comes after reports surfaced of seniors facing technological and other barriers to making vaccine appointments across the state.

Prescott Reopens City Buildings As Cases Decline

Prescott officials say the city will reopen government buildings on March 1 amid declining COVID-19 cases in Yavapai County. Employees and citizens will be asked to wear face coverings inside city buildings to mitigate further spread of the virus, according to a city statement. City council meetings will open to the public after operating virtually for months; a 30-person limit will be imposed. Meetings will continue to be live-streamed simultaneously for virtual participation. The city closed in-person city hall meetings to the public last November after employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Related Content