This past Monday, Yavapai County Community Health Services reported 159 new positive COVID-19 cases from the weekend.  For the past few weeks, the county has seen positive case numbers continue to increase from a low of around 20 to over 100 new cases a day.  Health officials believe this sudden increase is caused by the more contagious Delta variant of the COVID virus, as well as the fact that the majority of Yavapai County residents have not received their vaccination. 

Effective Thursday, Aug. 5, all Yavapai County buildings, are closed to the public until further notice.  This does not apply to the Yavapai County Superior or Justice Courts.   

“I am taking this action because I believe it is the right and necessary thing to do.  Protecting Yavapai County residents and employees is as important to me as protecting my own family. I know this closure is an inconvenience to everyone who has come to expect and appreciate convenient access to Yavapai County services, but I feel that it is necessary at this time. I will continue to closely monitor the COVID numbers and will reopen the buildings just as soon as it is safe to do so,”  Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown said.

As they did during previous building closures, Yavapai County services and business will continue to operate.  Members of the public can call ahead to make an appointment or go to the building entrances and call the number of the department to get assistance.  County employees will come out and assist the public as it did in the previous building closure.  County employees will wear masks while assisting the public and the county is requiring the public to wear masks while conducting business with its employees. 

“I am thankful for your patience as we work through these latest efforts to fight the spread of Covid and would appreciate those of you who have received their vaccination to encourage your friends and family to do so as well,” Brown said. “I have found it helps to tell others about your experience receiving the shot as well as those of you who had the virus, sharing what your experience was like.  While most people who catch the virus will survive, 99% of the COVID deaths are unvaccinated persons, and those that do survive, the lingering effects can be significant.”