Arizona coronavirus cases double since Memorial Day as state nears hospital capacity

(KYMA, KECY)- Coronavirus cases in Arizona have continued to surge since late May as the state’s hospital capacity begins to tighten, according to data from the Arizona Department of Health Services. 

Arizona’s department of health reported an additional 1,412 new cases on Thursday, bringing the state’s total to 31,264.

The number of cases have climbed by nearly 300% since May 1 and have roughly doubled since Memorial Day, according to historical data from Johns Hopkins University compiled by CNBC.

The state’s 7-day average of daily new cases as of Wednesday was 1,071. A week ago the state was averaging 720 daily new cases, according to Hopkins data. 

While testing has increased over the last couple weeks, which could cause an uptick in new cases, the proportion of positive tests has also increased in recent weeks.

For specimen collected June 7, 13% of tests were positive, compared to a low of 5% positive for specimen collected May 3.

Nearly 8% of the state’s tests have come back positive.

However, the state’s department of health shows that a large portion of its ventilators are still available for critically-ill patients. 

At a press conference Thursday, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said the state has an additional 2,600 surge hospital beds and 600 surge ICU beds in case additional capacity is needed.