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Arizona COVID-19 case load increases by more than 100 Saturday

DHS reports 773 cases, 15 deaths in state

Posted 3/27/20

Saturday's reported jump in Arizona COVID-19 cases was not as large as the 157-person increase reported Friday, but it did mark the second straight day with more than 100 new cases in the …

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Arizona COVID-19 case load increases by more than 100 Saturday

DHS reports 773 cases, 15 deaths in state

Posted

Saturday's reported jump in Arizona COVID-19 cases was not as large as the 157-person increase reported Friday, but it did mark the second straight day with more than 100 new cases in the state.

The Arizona Department of Health Services released new numbers Saturday, showing 773 cases - up 108 from Friday - and 15 deaths in the state, an increase of two.

Maricopa County has 454 of the cases, an increase of 55 from Friday.

According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, 158 of the cases are people age 18-39; 146 are 40-59; and 146 are 60+. Only two cases are under 18.

The sex breakdown in the county is 251 male and 201 female.

The state is under the Widespread level of community transmission, indicating that cases have been confirmed in 12 or more counties throughout the state.

Greenlee is the only  county in Arizona without a COVID-19 case.

State health Director Cara Christ said Arizona will need twice as many intensive-care unit beds as the 1,500 it has now and an 87% increase in its current 15,000 regular beds.

She also said the number of people infected in Arizona should peak next month, with the maximum number of hospitalizations in May.

State officials say there is a shortage of testing supplies and have reserved tests for older people and those with underlying health conditions who are most likely to face severe complications.

Dr. Christ has also asked doctors to discourage testing as a diagnostic tool. She said treatment for COVID-19 is the same as any other respiratory infection, so confirming a patient has the disease would not change the medical care they receive.

The United States became the first country with more than 100,000 reported cases when numbers were announced Saturday.

COVID-19 spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.

For people with mild illness, individuals are asked to stay home, drink plenty of fluids, and get rest. For people with more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, individuals are advised to seek healthcare.

The best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to officials:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
  • Stay home when sick;
  • Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash; and
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Call 1-844-542-8201 or 211 with any questions about COVID-19 in Arizona.