Pima County is slated to open a vaccination points of dispensing site in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as part of the effort to help vaccinate underserved communities.

While there was originally uncertainty that the state would allow FEMA to work directly with the county, Pima County Health Director Teresa Cullen is prepared for the partnership.

“To show FEMA and the federal sector, that in certain situations it’s OK to work with the local government,” said Cullen.

→ Q&AZ: What You Need To Know About Getting The Coronavirus Vaccine In Arizona

Cullen was also critical of Gov. Doug Ducey’s lifting of COVID-19 safety protocols, joining other elected officials like the Flagstaff City Council and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.

She says the lifting of mitigation measures was mistimed, and has made some people think the pandemic is coming to an end.

“There are many people that are interpreting this that we’re done, we’re fine, we can just keep going along and we can go back, but remember the place we all want to go is recovery, so I’m concerned about that,” said Cullen.

She noted the recent appearance of a COVID-19 variant originating in South Africa, which was confirmed in Arizona on Friday. The variant appears to spread at a faster rate, but currently approved vaccines have proven effective against it.

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