Today in local coronavirus news:

• Confirmed cases continue to rise in Pima County and across the state. Pima County had 42 confirmed cases and the state had 326, according to the morning numbers from the Arizona Department of Health Services. The virus has killed one person in Pima County and five in Arizona.

• Gov. Doug Ducey has halted evictions across the state. He also announced, in tandem with Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman, childcare centers for people on the front lines of battling the outbreak.

• Financial help is available for people and businesses hurt by the restrictions related to the outbreak.

• You have until July 15 to file your taxes. Details here.

• Here's a list of local restaurants offering takeout and delivery.

As adults, we're all familiar with the date of April 15. It's usually the deadline for filing your taxes every year. This year, though, there's been a change.

Due to closures and suspensions of events and businesses amid COVID-19 precautions, the U.S. Treasury and IRS have decided to extend the familiar date of April 15 all the way to July 15, regardless of whether you owe or not. You will, however, have to send in a payment extension in order to take advantage of this. You can find more answers regarding how to do this here.

This is especially helpful for those who may be facing financial strain due to being furloughed or sent home without pay for the foreseeable future. It also gives a fair amount of time for people to bounce back from schedules that have been totally derailed.

The IRS will continue to monitor the situation with coronavirus and will post any relative information or insights on a special page dedicated to COVID-19.

ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism with moral force.

At an ICE detention facility in New Jersey, detainees are on a hunger strike to try to obtain soap and toilet paper in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread across the state, the economy is taking a massive blow.

Here are some ways you can look for help in these troubling times.

• ARIZONA@WORK, a statewide workforce development network that helps employers of all sizes and types recruit, develop and retain the best employees for their needs, is posting a regularly updated list of employers who are hiring in Arizona. Find it here.

.• If your small business has been impacted by the outbreak, you may be eligible for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan to pay fixed debts, accounts payable, payroll and other bills. Find more information at sba.gov.

• The Community Action Agency Pima County works with partners who provide programs for low-income families and the larger community. They may be able to provide rent help (including mortgage assistance and eviction prevention), financial assistance, health care support or food assistance. Call 724-2667 or visit needhelppayingbills.com.

• The Restaurant Workers Community Fund has compiled a list of resources to help restaurants and workers who have been negatively impacted by the virus, including a relief fund the organization is developing itself. Also, news about unemployment, other relief funds, financial assistance and health care. Visit restaurantworkerscf.org.

• The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona is creating two relief funds for nonprofit organizations impacted by COVID-19. The COVID-19 Event Relief Fund will support nonprofits who have had to cancel fundraising events in response to the virus, and the COVID-19 Community Support Fund will support nonprofits experiencing increased service demands. Visit cfsaz.org/covid19 or call 770-0800 for more information.

• The Community Investment Corporation (CIC) is supporting local small businesses via specialized loan products and partnerships. CIC’s immediate offerings will help bridge current and impending gaps in cash flow for small businesses as the details for a government stimulus package and qualifications for assistance are finalized. CIC can offer business microloans of up to $10,000 and is making any small biz affected by COVID-19 eligible for its nonprofit partnership and enhanced community benefit rates of 3%. Loan terms can also be extended out to 5 years as needed. Additional loans with interest-only payments for up to six months may also be available, along with other loan alternatives. For details, visit CICTucson.org.

If you have an organization that you'd like included in this list, please email [email protected].

As of today’s official count from the Arizona Department of Health Services, 326 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Arizona. There are 42 confirmed cases in Pima County.

One person in Pima County, a woman in her 50s with underlying health conditions, has died from the illnesses, which has killed a total five people statewide.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Arizona jumped from 235 to 326 today, with 18 new cases in Pima County bringing the total here to 42, according to the latest numbers from the Arizona Department of Health Services.

The Pima County Health Department yesterday reported the first death due to COVID-19 in Pima County: a woman in her 50s with underlying health conditions.

In Maricopa County, the number on confirmed COVID-19 cases jumped from 139 to 199.

A total of 5 people in Arizona have died after being being infected by COVID-19, a highly infectious virus that is sweeping cities in the United States and across the globe.

The rise in cases corresponds with increased testing for COVID-19 but health officials warn that far more people have likely been exposed to the virus. Symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear, so people can pass the virus without realizing they have been infected with it. Some people remain entirely asymptotic but are carriers.

Yesterday, Banner Health officials warned against self-medicating to prevent or treat COVID-19 after a couple in their 60s ingested chloroquine phosphate, a chemical used to clean fish tanks. It took less than half an hour for them to need medical aid. The man died and the woman remains in critical condition.

President Donald Trump has hailed chloroquine, which is sometimes used to treat malaria, as a treatment for COVID-19.

“Given the uncertainty around COVID-19, we understand that people are trying to find new ways to prevent or treat this virus, but self-medicating is not the way to do so,” said Dr. Daniel Brooks, Banner Poison and Drug Information Center medical director, in a prepared statement. “The last thing that we want right now is to inundate our emergency departments with patients who believe they found a vague and risky solution that could potentially jeopardize their health.”

As COVID-19 has spread, local and state officials limited restaurants to take-out and delivery services in counties where cases of the virus have been confirmed. Here's a partial list of Tucson-area restaurants offering take-out and delivery services.

In the face of the spreading virus, Gov. Doug Ducey has ordered schools closed through April 10. He has also ordered bars, gyms and theaters to be closed in any county with confirmed COVID-19 cases, halted all elective surgery to keep hospital beds available for COVID-19 patients and activated the National Guard to assist in grocery stores as Arizonans clear the shelves.

According to the CDC, COVID-19 symptoms typically occur two to 14 days after exposure, and include fever, cough and shortness of breath. However, some cases of the virus are entirely asymptomatic. Practices to avoid infection include social distancing (of at least six feet), washing your hands, avoiding unnecessary trips and not touching your face. COVID-19 can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on stainless steel and plastic surfaces up to three days.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, speak with a healthcare provider for medical advice. According to the CDC, people who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Stay at home and avoid public transportation, but stay in touch with your doctor. If you do leave your home, wear a facemask and clean your hands often. If you develop more severe symptoms (persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, bluish lips) get medical attention immediately. Your local health authorities will give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.

Governor Doug Ducey clarified which businesses and operations are considered essential services across Arizona during the coronavirus pandemic in a executive order issued Monday.

The intention of the executive order is to provide "clarity and certainty for business owners and workers" and "ensure consistent guidance across the state", according to a news release issued by the governor's office.

Essential services defined by the executive order include:

• Health care and public health operations, including hospitals, public health entities, distributors of personal protective equipment and biotechnology companies
  
• Human services operations, including those that provide services for the elderly, those with developmental disabilities, foster and adoption children and the homeless
• Infrastructure operations, including food production, utility operators, construction and internet providers
• Government functions, including first responders, emergency management personnel, 911 operators, child protection staff, welfare providers and more
• Business operations, including grocery and medicine providers, outdoor recreation
• Organizations that provide charitable and social services, including religious and secular non-profit organizations and food banks
• Media organizations, including newspaper, television, radio and other media services
• Gas stations and other transportation-related businesses
• Financial institutions, including banks and credit unions
• Hardware and supply stores
• Critical trades, including plumbers, electricians, cleaning, sanitation, HVAC and security staff
• Mail, post, shipping and logistics
• Education institutions, including public and private K-12 schools, universities and research entities
• Laundry services
• Restaurants for consumption off-premises
• Supplies distributors that enable telework and work from home and those that supply essential businesses
• Transportation, including airlines, taxis, and ride-sharing
• Home-based and care services, including for seniors and those with developmental disabilities
• Residential facilities and shelters, including those for children, seniors or at-risk populations
• Professional services, including legal, real estate and accounting services
• Day care centers for employees exempted though the order
• Manufacturers, distribution and producers of supply chain-critical products
• Hotels and motels
• Funeral services
  

As of today's Arizona Department of Health Services report, 24 people in Pima County have tested tested positive for COVID-19. In Arizona, two deaths have occurred and a total of 234 people have tested positive for the disease. Statewide numbers updated here.

According to the CDC, COVID-19 symptoms typically occur two to 14 days after exposure, and include fever, cough and shortness of breath. However, some cases of the virus are entirely asymptomatic. Practices to avoid infection include social distancing (of at least six feet), washing your hands, avoiding unnecessary trips and not touching your face. COVID-19 can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on stainless steel and plastic surfaces up to three days. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

For more information, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov

Local child care is on shaky ground as more Tucson families are staying home to fight the spread of coronavirus after Gov. Doug Ducey extended school closures would continue through at least April 10.

Last Monday, The City of Tucson also shut down their youth programs, KIDCO and SchoolzOut Camp, due to issues such as a lack of sanitation products at their sites. The programs will be shut down through at least April 10. The city plans to reevaluate opening the youth programs once schools reopen, according to Andy Squire, public information officer for the City of Tucson.

“From everything we are seeing, I would say it would be likely (youth program closures) would continue beyond that,” Squire said. “Child care is available in our community for folks both at the YMCA’s and the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs.”

But slots could be hard to come by for many Tucsonans. Both The YMCA of Southern Arizona and the Boys and Girls Club of Tucson are prioritizing childcare for the children of first responders, health care workers and employees at grocery stores. The BGCT is “strictly providing emergency childcare to 60 children, ages 5-12, of essential and critical service community workers” at their Grant Road location, according to a press release.

BGCT is also working with TUSD Meal Services to supply breakfast and lunch to enrolled children. The YMCA is partnering with local private school lunch provider, Nutrition One, to offer breakfast, lunch and snack options for their enrollees.

The YMCA of Southern Arizona is also giving essential workers special preference for child care. Child care spots at the YMCA aren’t just for medical workers, but grocery store workers too, said Candis Martin for YMCA Southern Arizona.

Seema Verma is the Administrator, U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. She has written this Guest Opinion piece to spread awareness for Medicare and Medicaid recipients.

Since older Americans are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to let you know the steps we’re taking to help our Medicare beneficiaries cope with the pandemic.

We’re warning Medicare beneficiaries that scammers may try to use this emergency to steal their Medicare number, banking information, or other personal data.

Unfortunately, scammers come out of the woodwork during times of uncertainty and change. So make sure you give your Medicare number only to your doctor, pharmacist, hospital, health insurer, or other trusted healthcare provider.

If someone calls you on the phone, says they’re from Medicare, and asks for your Medicare number or other personal information – just hang up.

Remember: Medicare never calls its beneficiaries to ask for or to “verify” Medicare numbers.

My agency finished removing Social Security numbers from all Medicare cards last year in order to reduce fraud and protect Medicare beneficiaries from identity theft. Even with this change, you should guard your Medicare card. Treat it like a credit card. Be sure to check your Medicare claim summaries for errors and questionable bills.

If you suspect Medicare fraud, please report it by calling Medicare’s toll-free customer service center at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or by visiting www.medicare.gov/fraud.

I also want to inform you what Medicare covers with regard to coronavirus.

If your doctor orders a COVID-19 test for you, Medicare covers all of the costs. You should not have any cost-sharing.

Medicare also covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes extra days in the hospital for in-patients who were on the verge of being discharged, but were diagnosed with COVID-19 and had to stay longer under quarantine.

There's no vaccine for COVID-19 at this time. However, if one becomes available, Medicare will cover it.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you have the same benefits as people with Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are now required to have the same cost-sharing for COVID-19 lab tests as Original Medicare: zero.

Medicare also recently expanded its coverage of telehealth services to enable beneficiaries across the country to receive a wider range of healthcare services from doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility.

These changes allow beneficiaries to communicate with their doctors without having to physically go to a healthcare facility, thus cutting their risk of acquiring or spreading the virus. And frontline clinicians will be better able to stay safe themselves while treating people with Medicare.

Doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers can deliver telehealth services via phone and video chat. Medicare beneficiaries can receive telehealth services in their home as well as in any healthcare facility, including a physician’s office, hospital, nursing home, or rural health clinic.

Telehealth services include routine office visits, mental health counseling, and preventive health screenings for cancer and other illnesses.

By helping healthcare institutions across the nation offer services remotely, telehealth can free up hospital emergency departments and doctors’ offices to deal with the most urgent COVID-19 cases. For example, you can talk with a doctor about your diabetes management or prescription refill without having to go to his or her office.

During this emergency, Medicare will pay for telehealth services at the same rates as in-person services, giving doctors and other clinicians an incentive to use this alternative and reserve their offices to treat those who truly require in-person care.

We know many Medicare beneficiaries are concerned about the spread of coronavirus and the threat it poses to their well-being. That’s why we’ve taken these rapid steps to ensure that the Medicare program continues to protect our beneficiaries while maintaining trusted access to care in these uncertain times.

Need someone to talk to during these times? The @HOPEincTucson Warm Line is a confidential, non-emergency phone line for residents who need someone to talk to.
Pima County residents can call: (520) 770-9909
All other Southern Arizona residents can call: (844) 733-9912 pic.twitter.com/TkuXdbYS9c

— City of Tucson (@cityoftucson) March 23, 2020

These are strange times we're living in. With "social distancing" now firmly in our vocabulary, and headlines that make the most anxious of us even more so, it can feel very lonely and isolating not just physically, but mentally as well.

If you need someone to talk to, but maybe you don't feel comfortable speaking with someone you know, there are multiple options out there for you.

Earlier today the City of Tucson tweeted out a number for the Warm Line. This is a great resource if you're struggling, but not in crisis.

Additionally, if you're a veteran, you can call the Veterans Crisis Line or chat with someone on their website.
They're a great resource for any veteran who is currently struggling mentally and can help alleviate anxiety or PTSD.

The Suicide Prevention Hotline also stresses emotional well-being during the outbreak and has some coping tips on its website as well. If you need more than just some tips and resources and need to talk to someone right away, please call the lifeline below.

Maybe you don't need to call one of these, but know someone who might. Please share with them to get them the help they need. Check on your family, friends and neighbors. They may be struggling and could use your help, even if it's just a friendly, "Hello!"