Movement Restrictions

CHS recommends that patients/inmates in Medical Observation/Isolation be placed on ’Movement Restriction’ status.

• Medical Observation/Isolation - Patients/inmates in Medical Observation/Isolation should not be allowed to leave their housing units. Movement should be limited to emergencies or releases. All patients/inmates must wear a mask when leaving the housing unit.

Infirmary Care

Patients/inmates at higher risk for complications from a positive COVID-19 diagnosis (age ≥ 65, immunocompromised, or with a chronic condition) may be housed in the Infirmary. Patients/inmates receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.

Treatment

According to the CDC, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. Most people who become ill with COVID-19 will be able to recover with supportive care. Patients/inmates receive supportive care to help relieve their symptoms. Patients/inmates with severe COVID-19 disease requiring hospitalization management are sent out to the hospital.

Hospitalizations

Patients’/inmates’ safety is a high priority for CHS. Therefore, those patients/inmates with severe COVID-19 disease requiring a higher level of care are sent to the hospital. Inpatient management focuses on the treatment and supportive management of the most common complications from severe cases of COVID-19 including, but not limited to:

• Acute Respiratory Failure
• Pneumonia
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
• Septic Shock
• Secondary Infection

Patient Education

As part of CHS discharge planning, and before release from custody, all patients/inmates in Medical Observation/Isolation are educated regarding COVID-19. Education and instructions include but are not limited to the following:

• The number of quarantine days remaining until completion of the protocol,
• To follow-up with a provider in the community if symptoms develop or worsen (fever, shortness of breath, cough), and
• To stay at home in isolation for ten (10) days after testing positive for COVID-19, with three (3) days symptoms free.

Patients are also recommended to follow up with Public Health.

Released Patients/Inmates 

Patients/inmates who are released before a positive test result or before the completion of their isolation period are referred to Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) for continued shelter and medical care.

COVID-19 Deaths 

Deaths reported are based on information from the Medical Examiner Report as "cause of death" or "contributory cause of death".