TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) – Dr. Theresa Cullen, Pima County Health Director, has tested positive for COVID-19, the county announced Wednesday.
The positive result of Dr. Cullen comes amid an apparent outbreak in the health department involving 11 workers, the county said. All staff working at the county’s health department headquarters on Ajo Way will be offered tests and staff will work remotely while the building is being cleaned.
“This just goes to show that when there is a substantial spread of the virus throughout the community, as we are now experiencing throughout the district, the virus can get into your home and work in a variety of ways, no matter how vigilant you are with your precautions, ”said Dr. Francisco Garcia, Chief Medical Officer, in a press release.
Last week, the county said there was a protest at health department headquarters involving “a few dozen” people, most of whom were not wearing masks. Some protesters entered the building and were in close contact with security and other staff.
Data from the Pima County Health Department shows that more than 8,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Pima County in the past seven days. The county says that about 7,000 of its employees have tested positive for the virus since the pandemic began.