Arizona reports more than 5,100 new COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths
Arizona health officials have reported 5,158 new cases of COVID-19 and three additional deaths.
The latest figures released Monday by the Arizona Department of Health Services come as the number of people hospitalized due to the virus hits a new high.
Officials say 54% of in-patient hospitalizations across the state are COVID-19 related. Those in intensive care units because of the virus is also at a record high for Arizona. According to state health officials, only 7% of ICU beds remain available. Arizona health officials have reported 5,158 new cases of COVID-19 and three additional deaths.
In total, Arizona has now seen 561,542 COVID-19 cases and 9,064 deaths since the pandemic began.
The number of infections is thought to be higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
The crush of COVID-19 patients has caused some Phoenix and Tucson-area hospitals to suspend elective surgeries and turn away ambulance patients or transfers from other hospitals, while still accepting walk-patients needing emergency care.
Hospital officials have discussed triage protocols that the state could order to decide which patients gets access to limited resources.
Meanwhile, Gov. Doug Ducey rejected a call from State Superintendent Kathy Hoffman to have all Arizona schools cease in-person learning for two weeks. The governor’s office said that is a decision that should be left to local officials.
