Variations of the virus, coupled with waning immunity, have created what one health expert describes as a "six-month pattern," where COVID-19 cases spike during the summer and winter months.
The health agency said it will continue to monitor the state of the pandemic and will reassess the need for a testing requirement if the situation changes.
More than 75% of Maricopa County is considered a food desert, meaning residents are a mile or more away from fresh food. South Phoenix falls into that category.
The Copper Courier sat down with the owner of Lo-Lo's Chicken and Waffles to talk about his family’s legacy of food in Phoenix, and his plans for the future.
Scientists don't know if omicron is more transmissible or dangerous than previous variants. So far, there is no indication it causes more severe disease.