Health expert speaks out as businesses begin to slowly reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Arizona, Gov. Doug Ducey has allowed some businesses to reopen, because of some downward trends that have been observed in recent weeks.

Will Humble is the Director of Arizona Public Health Association and the former Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. He says despite the fact that the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, the number of new daily hospitalizations and ICU bed utilization continues to decrease, which are two primary factors to interpret trends in our state.

Now that Gov. Ducey has begun to reopen some businesses, Humble worries if they are ready to reopen, because he says mitigation and safety are going to paramount in preventing the spread of the disease.

"I think so much has been about the when, so one of the key things I would be looking for, if I was in an elected official position, is talking to people at the Chamber of Commerce, the Restaurant Association, and saying how prepared are your members to open?" Humble said.

Humble went on to say customers are likely going to be very cognizant of the safety measures put in place, like the availability of hand sanitizer and social distancing requirements.

"If customers don’t see that when they expect to see that when they come in, then they’re going to lose customers," said Humble. "I think psychology is going to play a part here. Customers are going to expect to see mitigation measures in place. Places that don’t implement those types of things will be at a disadvantage of bringing customers back."

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COVID-19 symptoms

Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.

Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.

Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus, but may put you in a better position to fight it.

To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.

And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.

Why social distancing can save lives amid COVID-19 pandemic

Social distancing is not only about preventing the illness itself, but rather, slowing the rate at which people get sick. 

In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.