Arizona seeing slight downturn in virus hospitalizations

PHOENIX (AP) — Hospitalizations from the coronavirus are on a slight downturn in Arizona, along with the number of people on ventilators and in intensive care units, according to the latest figures.

Arizona reported 1,559 new cases of the coronavirus on Monday and 23 deaths, the latter which typically is lower at the start of the week because not all hospitals submit data over the weekend. Those numbers bring the state’s case total to 145,183 infections and the deaths to 2,784.

Arizona had been experiencing some of the highest rates of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in the country since Gov. Doug Ducey lifted a stay-at-home order in mid-May.

Hospitalizations reported Monday were at the lowest level in more than two weeks, a sign that Arizona’s COVID-19 outbreak might be moderating. The number of people on ventilators and in intensive care also has decreased.

The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.