A conversation hosted by the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry yesterday featured public and private sector leaders discussing the importance of the business community’s role in supporting the vaccination effort and best practices Arizona employers have developed to encourage vaccination.

Former surgeon general: Business community essential in promoting vaccinations

Dr. Richard Carmona, former surgeon general of the United States and now a special adviser to the Arizona Department of Health Services, shared his thoughts on the role of the business community as a source of credible information, saying communications between corporations encouraging each other to assist the government in inspiring the public to get vaccinated are essential.

Of the state’s overall response, Carmona said, “I think overall that Arizona has done well, but as any leader will tell  you, there are lessons we will learn moving forward.”

U.S. Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ striving to promote vaccination, but wary of new burdens on employers

The country’s largest business advocacy group, the U.S. Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ says it wants to promote vaccination but also limit the burdens placed on employers.

Michael Carney, senior vice president of emerging issues at the U.S. Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce Foundation, said the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ is assessing the Biden administration’s new mandate requiring employers of more than 100 to ensure all of their employees are vaccinated. 

“At the end of the day, we all have a shared goal,” Carney said. Businesses, citizens and the government all want more people vaccinated in order to ensure public prosperity and economic health, he said.

Carney said that research shows that employers should first lead by example in getting the vaccine and should be transparent. 

Carney also said communities and workplaces are all different in various ways and that there is no gold standard for employer Covid response. The best strategies, he said, involve policies that can help workforces adapt to new information. 

Governor’s aide: Vaccines the key to ending the pandemic

At a state level, Christina Corieri, health policy adviser to Gov. Doug Ducey, talked about the importance of vaccine incentive programs and the success they have had with state government employees. 

Corieri expressed concern over misinformation and spoke about how important it is for the public to be educated on how the vaccine works and its tremendous efficacy, noting that 94% of the hospitalized Covid cases are from people who are not fully vaccinated. 

“The reasons that we don’t see polio and smallpox today is because of vaccines, and vaccines will be the reason that we don’t see covid in the future,” Corieri said.

Other guests included Sonora Quest Laboratories President and CEO Dave Dexter, who shared his own company’s incentives to promote vaccination among its workforce, and Julia Strange, vice president of community benefit for TMC HealthCare, who discussed how Covid has exacerbated healthcare industry labor challenges.

“I appreciate each of these leaders’ willingness to discuss how the business community can help get more Arizonans vaccinated and get this pandemic under control,” Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “Conversations like these are good reminders that job creators throughout the pandemic have worked hard to keep their employees and customers safe and now, without being mandated to do so by the government, are sharing with their workforce how safe and effective these vaccines are.”

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“You know that metaphor that people say, ‘If you’re going for a touchdown, don’t spike the ball at the 5-yard line. Wait until you get into the end zone,'” – Anthony Fauci

As statewide efforts to vaccinate more Arizonans continue and the economy begins to reopen, it is easy to forget that we are still within the worst pandemic of the last hundred years. Although there is great reason for the widespread hope of normalcy the vaccines will bring, we must also remember that we are not yet in the end zone. Given the unknown length of time that vaccines will be effective, emerging strains of concerning variants and large rates of vaccine hesitancy, it is unclear exactly how this pandemic will play out. One thing we do know, however, is that as we try to return to normal, adding regular COVID screening to our current standard COVID mitigation efforts will help keep our community safe and avoid additional lockdowns.

For the past year, my team and I have been focused on educating organizations and leaders about the outsized benefit regular COVID testing can provide. With a proper protocol in place, regular COVID testing drastically limits the size of outbreaks and allows places like schools and large businesses to resume in-person operations. In fact, we believed so much in the power of testing that we built our own high-throughput COVID testing laboratory in Scottsdale to provide much needed accurate, quick, and affordable testing to our community. Although we have made significant progress, there is still much work to do.

Slowing Down Community Spread

We have learned alot about COVID over the past year and the impact of mitigation strategies to the community. Most people are familiar with hand washing, mask wearing and social distancing, but surprisingly few are aware of how regular COVID testing of asymptomatic people can allow large groups of people to return to in-person activity. One of the earliest adopters of mass asymptomatic testing is the Broad Institute of MIT/Harvard. In March of 2020, the Broad converted their large genomics center into a high-throughput COVID testing lab. Since then they have performed more than 16 million COVID tests for hundreds of east coast universities, hospitals and nursing homes. The amazing result was a near -1% positivity rate within regularly tested institutions even while the surrounding community positivity rate soared over 10%. Other great examples of organizations effectively using asymptomatic testing include the NBA, NFL, MLB and major motion pictures. Although operations have been significantly altered, these organizations have been able to resume quasi-normal activity in relative safety by enacting a regular testing protocol.

The main benefit of regularly testing everyone in an organization is that it allows for the identification of infected individuals before they begin to develop symptoms. It is believed that people are most contagious in the days before they begin exhibiting symptoms and even more concerning is that up to 40% of infected individuals won’t have any symptoms at all. By performing regular testing (twice a week, once a week, etc), organizations can catch outbreaks before they begin and implement quarantines of infected and exposed individuals before significant damage is done.

Major Events and Conferences

As large group events, concerts, and sporting events reconvene, the chances for super-spreader events also returns. Fortunately, with the proper implementation of testing, we can switch those paper cutouts for real life fans. By implementing mandatory COVID testing for attendees, venues will be able to create a safe and temporary NBA “bubble” type experience for guests, attendees and staff. Venues are currently experimenting with a variety of testing regimens such as a highly sensitive PCR test within 72-hours of the game or rapid antigen testing on-site prior to the event. Both regimens have pros and cons and the increasing availability and affordability are making either option a possibility. 

Safe Travel

As consumer confidence builds and pent up demand for international travel increases, a growing number of Arizonans are seeking assistance navigating the various COVID testing requirements of their final destination. For the near future, testing will be required for international travel until worldwide vaccination numbers increase and scientists are certain about vaccine efficacy against new variants.

COVID testing and documentation requirements are constantly changing and fluctuate significantly by country resulting in a confusing and chaotic experience for travelers. The major variable requirements include the type of test needed (RT-PCR, PCR, Rapid Antigen), how soon the test is needed before arrival (48-96 hours), and the information required on your COVID travel certificate (fit-to-fly document).

The one variable that has not changed is a testing requirement.

The bottom line: frequent, affordable, and accessible testing will be critical as we enter this new era of managing the COVID-19 virus. We need to embrace and normalize testing rather than assuming we no longer need it. In order to successfully enter a “post-COVID” world, we need to continue our testing efforts.

Dr. Jesse Greer is the Founder of Saguaro Bloom.

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As Covid-19 vaccines are now rolling out across Arizona, state and business leaders are calling on employees and employers to get Covid-19 vaccinations. They also are asking everyone to continue to take safety precautions, at least until vaccine supply exceeds demand. 

For more than two months, Arizona has seen low infection rates, low hospitalizations and a high rate of vaccinations, prompting Gov. Doug Ducey last week to lift all restrictions on businesses. 

Reports of rising cases in other states are reason enough to continue to remain diligent here, said Garrick Taylor, interim president and CEO of the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry. 

“Our state has come so far in reducing the spread of the virus and administering millions of vaccines. We don’t want to lose that momentum,” Taylor said.

Keeping the momentum going 

A large percentage of businesses are continuing to mandate masks and follow sanitary procedures to keep customers and employees safe, Taylor said.

Most grocery stores announced they are keeping mask mandates in place. Trade associations like the Arizona Tourism and Lodging Association are asking members and travelers to keep safety precautions in place. Meanwhile, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and other airports continue to be under federal mandate to require travelers and employees and all district and charter K-12 schools are still under to wear masks. 

Essential employees are being vaccinated by level of risk 

Essential employees of any age can now get vaccinated statewide and the state has also opened up vaccines to individuals 16 and older.

Frontline and essential employees will continue to remain at the top of the priority list and are being vaccinated in order of highest risk for exposure. The order for vaccinations for essential employees is: 

â–  Grocery store, convenience store, and carniceria workers

â–  U.S. Postal Service

â–  Manufacturing workers

â–  Public transit workers, including buses, light rail, Uber, Lyft, taxis, and rideshare

â–  State and local government workers

â–  Funeral home workers

More than 3 million people in Arizona vaccinated 

More than 3 million people have been vaccinated with at least one dose in Arizona. Those most at risk of becoming seriously ill, particularly the elderly, are largely vaccinated, removing the biggest concern. Hospitals and ICU units have space for Covid and other patients, according to the state Department of Health Services (DHS). 

Business restrictions lifted 

With Arizona’s lower infection rates and plenty of space in healthcare facilities, Gov. Ducey and other mandates on businesses last week. 

The state is recommending the continued use of masks and other precautions.  Businesses can require customers to wear masks and can refuse service to anyone who refuses to comply.

Arizona’s top public health official, AZ DHS Director Dr. Cara Christ, also recommends citizens continue to mask up, social distance and wash their hands frequently even if they are vaccinated. 

There are still unknowns as the virus progresses and new variants enter the state. In a statement released Friday, the DHS reports that the South African variant, which spreads at a faster rate, has been detected in the state and current vaccines for Covid-19 “appear to be effective against it.”  

How to get a vaccine 

Information about all vaccination sites across Arizona can be found at . Those without computer access or needing extra help registering can call 1-844-542-8201 to be connected with someone who can assist. 
For up-to-date information on vaccines administered and vaccination rate per 100,000 see .

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Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey updated the real estate community Friday on the state’s strong economic recovery from the pandemic and his policy priorities for his two remaining years in office. 

A ”balanced approach” to reopening businesses and Arizonans doing their part to reduce spread of the disease helped the state recover more quickly than most of the nation, the governor said.

“After a year of turmoil and challenges, we are seeing our state return to normal,” he told about 250 attendees at a virtual “breakfast” meeting of the nonprofit , which represents real estate developers in the Phoenix metro area. 

“All of our schools are fully reopening. We’ve lifted occupancy limits on our local businesses. We’ve recovered over 97 percent of the jobs we’ve lost since the start of the pandemic. We’re on pace to add over 300 new jobs by next spring.” 

Stayed on track despite attacks from far right and left 

After the initial shutdown of all but essential businesses last year, Ducey gradually brought the economy back in phases, which earned criticism from both the political right and left throughout. 

But the approach worked, he said. Infection rates have dropped significantly and Arizona ranks in the top five states for the strongest economic recovery. This month, Ducey lifted almost all restrictions on businesses while social distancing and safety protocols remain in place.

“Unlike other states, we never did a shutdown here in Arizona. We withstood the calls from the extremes on both sides, and we will continue to ignore them,” Ducey said. “We always knew that fighting this virus would be dependent on the personal responsibility of everyday Arizonans.”

At the front of the priority list 

Now that the Legislature is in session, progress is being made on a number of the policy agenda goals Ducey laid out in Bills that have passed or are expected to pass this session include expansion of telemedicine statewide, wildfire prevention and inmate firefighter training, a new gaming compact, and a law to protect businesses and others from frivolous Covid-19 lawsuits. 

In listing his priorities, Ducey emphasized a few at the front of the line: meet the demand for Covid-19 vaccines; open schools and catch up students who fell behind during the pandemic; and maintain Arizona’s growing status as a competitor for industry and high paying jobs. 

Meanwhile, Arizona can expect to continue to outpace the rest of the nation moving forward, he said.

Vaccine supply should exceed demand by May 

Arizona’s mass vaccinations efforts have become a role model for the nation, Ducey said. The state has now distributed more than 2.6 million doses with more on the way. 

Arizona was the first state to launch a 24/7 mass vaccination site at the State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals. Last Monday, the total number of vaccinations distributed to the stadium hit the 500,000 mark, Ducey said. Other vaccination sites were also launched at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, the University of Arizona and Chandler-Gilbert Community College. 

Ducey said the only remaining challenge is meeting demand. He is working with federal officials to increase the number of doses to Arizona in the coming weeks, and has been told that supply should exceed demand in May. 

Top priorities moving forward 

Looking ahead, the picture is also bright, Ducey said. New stimulus funding coming into the state, including $12.3 billion for state government, and a growing economy, Arizona will be able to achieve most of his policy , he said. They include:

• Infrastructure projects including expansion of broadband statewide

• Mitigate the impact of Proposition 208 on small businesses 

• Assistance for students who fell behind during the pandemic 

• Planning and new technology to protect Arizona’s water supplies for the future 

• A new state gaming pack with the tribes to expand casinos on reservations and approve sports betting statewide

• Smart energy policy to ensure reliable and affordable energy  

• Forest fire prevention and protection efforts including work training programs for inmates to learn firefighting skills 

In closing, Ducey stated his commitment to keep taxes low and regulations light. He said he wants private industry to know they are a priority for the state. 

“We realize it’s a competitive situation. We’ve been winning more of our fair share of businesses choosing Arizona as a headquarters site over places like California, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Utah, and Colorado. There’s no reason we can’t keep that going for decades in the future. Our economy is truly diversified with more on the way.” 

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