The new coronavirus in Arizona
Lizzo, a Grammy award-winning rapper and singer, bought lunch for Chandler health care workers from Dilly’s Sandwiches in Tempe.
Courtesy of Dilly’s Deli
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Mark Openshaw (head football coach) walks up the stairs, June 30, 2020, at Globe High School, Globe, Arizona. A coach tested positive for COVID-19, so football practice has been postponed.
Mark Henle/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Somerton firefighters Othom Luna (left) and Daniel Cebreros disinfect themselves after taking a patient to a Yuma hospital.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Julie Reiman presses face masks, June 30, 2020, in her shop, Julie’s Quilt Shop, in Miami, Arizona. The shop can’t keep up with the demand for masks.
Mark Henle/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Dr. Mandeep K. Rai, pictured here on June 30, 2020, is an infectious disease specialist who works on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic at two hospitals in the Valley.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
A sunrise of hope. The number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 grows every day in the state with 116,892 cases and 2,082 deaths in Arizona as of July 10, 2020.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wait in their cars for a COVID-19 test at a drive-through testing site in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix on July 10, 2020.
Nick Oza/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Health care workers take samples for COVID-19 testing in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix on July 10, 2020.
Nick Oza/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wait in their cars for a COVID-19 test at a drive-through testing site in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix on July 10, 2020.
Nick Oza/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Health care workers take samples for COVID-19 testing in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix on July 10, 2020.
Nick Oza/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Leo Caudillo waits in his car for a COVID-19 test at a drive-through testing site in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix on July 10, 2020.
Nick Oza/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Health care workers prepare to take samples for COVID-19 testing in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix on July 10, 2020.
Nick Oza/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Kimaira Robbins, 17, and Miracle Earby, 6, wait in their car for a COVID-19 test at a drive-through testing site in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix on July 10, 2020.
Nick Oza/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Driver Kim Hawkins, with Tiffany Earby, and their children, Kimaira Robbins, 17, and Miracle Earby, 6, wait in their car for a COVID-19 test at a drive-through testing site in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix on July 10, 2020.
Nick Oza/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Jose Garcia (left) receives a nasal swab test for COVID-19 at a drive through testing site hosted by the HeroZona Foundation in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix, Ariz. on July 9, 2020. Tests were free and vehicles waited in a line that stretched nearly 1.5 miles from Broadway Road to Baseline Road along 24th street. Earlier in the week Arizona reached number one in the world for COVID-19 cases.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Jose Garcia (left) receives a nasal swab test for COVID-19 at a drive through testing site hosted by the HeroZona Foundation in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix, Ariz. on July 9, 2020. Tests were free and vehicles waited in a line that stretched nearly 1.5 miles from Broadway Road to Baseline Road along 24th street. Earlier in the week Arizona reached number one in the world for COVID-19 cases.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Volunteers coordinate vehicles at a drive through testing site hosted by the HeroZona Foundation in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix, Ariz. on July 9, 2020. Tests were free and vehicles waited in a line that stretched nearly 1.5 miles from Broadway Road to Baseline Road along 24th street. Earlier in the week Arizona reached number one in the world for COVID-19 cases.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wait in vehicles wait in an estimated one and a half mile line of traffic from Broadway Road to Baseline Road along 24th street for free COVID-19 testing at a drive through testing site hosted by the HeroZona Foundation in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix, Ariz. on July 9, 2020. Earlier in the week Arizona reached number one in the world for COVID-19 cases.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wait in vehicles wait in an estimated one and a half mile line of traffic from Broadway Road to Baseline Road along 24th street for free COVID-19 testing at a drive through testing site hosted by the HeroZona Foundation in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix, Ariz. on July 9, 2020. Earlier in the week Arizona reached number one in the world for COVID-19 cases.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Angelica Topka tests people for COVID-19 at a drive through testing site hosted by the HeroZona Foundation in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix, Ariz. on July 9, 2020. Tests were free and vehicles waited in a line that stretched nearly 1.5 miles from Broadway Road to Baseline Road along 24th street. Earlier in the week Arizona reached number one in the world for COVID-19 cases.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Nikila Flagg (left) tests people for COVID-19 at a drive through testing site hosted by the HeroZona Foundation in the South Mountain Community College parking lot in Phoenix, Ariz. on July 9, 2020. Tests were free and vehicles waited in a line that stretched nearly 1.5 miles from Broadway Road to Baseline Road along 24th street. Earlier in the week Arizona reached number one in the world for COVID-19 cases.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Masked and gloved, Jayden Johns, 20, of Phoenix, plays basketball at Roadrunner Park in Phoenix on July 6, 2020. Johns tested positive for COVID-19 a little over three weeks ago. He self-quarantined for two weeks during which time he experienced minor symptoms. Johns, a former basketball player at Holbrook High School, grew up on the Navajo Reservation. He visits his family on the reservation almost every month although he believes he contracted the disease in Phoenix.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Masked and gloved, Jayden Johns, 20, of Phoenix, plays basketball at Roadrunner Park in Phoenix on July 6, 2020. Johns tested positive for COVID-19 a little over three weeks ago. He self-quarantined for two weeks during which time he experienced minor symptoms. Johns, a former basketball player at Holbrook High School, grew up on the Navajo Reservation. He visits his family on the reservation almost every month although he believes he contracted the disease in Phoenix.
David Wallace/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Jul 6, 2020; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo pulls on his mask during an instrasquad game at summer camp workouts at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK
Rob Schumacher/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Jul 6, 2020; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo watches the instrasquad game at summer camp workouts at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Protesters light candles during a Justice for James Garcia Rally in Phoenix on July 6, 2020. The protesters were demanding the releasing of all officer body-cam footage.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Protesters light candles during a Justice for James Garcia Rally in Phoenix on July 6, 2020. The protesters were demanding the releasing of all officer body-cam footage.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Rodger Pryor dresses up for the festivities on July 4, 2020, at WestWorld in Scottsdale.
Justin Toumberlin/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
The Scottsdale firework show is seen from a sold-out WestWorld parking lot on July 4, 2020.
Justin Toumberlin/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Viviana Rivas plays games with her dad, Johenry Rivas, as they wait for the firework show in Scottsdale on July 4, 2020.
Justin Toumberlin/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Cars enter the parking lot of WestWorld and are placed in specific spots to account for social distancing, as the event is sold out, on July 4, 2020.
Justin Toumberlin/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
A box with a warning label on it related to COVID-19 and containing some of the 435,669 signatures for the InvestInEd ballot initiative is turned in at the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office at the state Capitol in Phoenix on July 2, 2020.
David Wallace/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
A box with a warning label on it related to COVID-19 and containing some of the 435,669 signatures for the InvestInEd ballot initiative is turned in at the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office at the state Capitol in Phoenix on July 2, 2020.
David Wallace/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Mitchella Stevens, a teacher at Cartwright Elementary School, looks on as 435,669 signatures for the InvestInEd ballot initiative are turned in at the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office at the state Capitol in Phoenix on July 2, 2020. The 435,669 signatures are well over the required amount to get the initiative on the ballot in the 2020 general election, which would raise more than $900 million a year for Arizona public K-12 education if approved by voters.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
People line up in their cars on 24th Street to be tested for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, near South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People line up in their cars on 24th Street to be tested for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, near South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People line up in their cars on 24th Street to be tested for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, near South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People line up in their cars on 24th Street to be tested for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, near South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wait in their cars to be tested for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wait in their cars to be tested for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Health care workers change their gloves while testing people for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
A health care worker tests a person for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
A health care worker gives information to a person after testing them for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wait in their cars to be tested for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
A health care worker tests a person for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
A health care worker tests a person for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wait in their cars to be tested for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wait in their cars to be tested for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wait in their cars to be tested for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wait in their cars to be tested for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wait in their cars to be tested for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wait in their cars to be tested for COVID-19 on July 2, 2020, at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People grab drinks outside Pattie’s in Scottsdale two hours before before Gov. Doug Ducey’s 8 p.m. shutdown of bars, nightclubs, pools, waterparks and tubing takes effect on June 29, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Mike Simmons, left, and his wife Milissa Simmons, right, share a drink outside Pattie’s in Scottsdale before Gov. Doug Ducey’s 8 p.m. ordered shutdown of bars, nightclubs, pools, waterparks and tubing takes effect on June 29, 2020. Mike and Milissa said they were not happy with the shutdown but will respect it and leave at 8 p.m.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Maya Day and Nightclub with signs outside encouraging social distancing and masks are seen in Scottsdale on the night Gov. Doug Ducey ordered 8 p.m. shutdown of bars, nightclubs, pools, waterparks and tubing on June 29, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Mike Simmons, left, and his wife Milissa Simmons, right, and “Sunshine,” front, share a drink outside Pattie’s in Scottsdale two hours before Gov. Doug Ducey ordered 8 p.m. shutdown of bars, nightclubs, pools, waterparks and tubing on June 29, 2020. Mike and Milissa said they were not happy with the shutdown but will respect it and leave at 8 p.m.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People grab drinks outside Pattie’s in Scottsdale two hours before Gov. Doug Ducey’s 8 p.m. shutdown of bars, nightclubs, pools, waterparks and tubing takes effect on June 29, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Riot House and the street before it in Scottsdale sits empty two hours before Gov. Doug Ducey’s 8 p.m. shutdown of bars, nightclubs, pools, waterparks and tubing takes effect on June 29, 2020.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Mike Simmons, left, and his wife Milissa Simmons, right, and “Sunshine,” front, share a drink two hours before Gov. Doug Ducey’s 8 p.m. shutdown of bars, nightclubs, pools, waterparks and tubing takes effect on June 29, 2020. Mike and Milissa said they were not happy with the shutdown but will respect it and leave at 8 p.m.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey announces a new executive order in response to the rising COVID-19 cases in the state during a news conference in Phoenix on June 29, 2020. Gov. Ducey ordered the closing of bars, gyms, theaters, waterparks and tubing.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey (center) arrives before updating reporters on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 29, 2020. Gov. Ducey ordered the closing of bars, gyms, theaters, waterparks and tubing.
Michael Chow, Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey uses hand sanitizer before updating reporters on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 29, 2020. Gov. Ducey ordered the closing of bars, gyms, theaters, waterparks and tubing.
Michael Chow, Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey updates reporters on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 29, 2020. Gov. Ducey ordered the closing of bars, gyms, theaters, waterparks and tubing.
Michael Chow, Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey updates reporters on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 29, 2020. Gov. Ducey ordered the closing of bars, gyms, theaters, waterparks and tubing.
Michael Chow, Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey updates reporters on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 29, 2020. Gov. Ducey ordered the closing of bars, gyms, theaters, waterparks and tubing.
Michael Chow, Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Dr. Cara Christ updates reporters on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 29, 2020. Gov. Doug Ducey ordered the closing of bars, gyms, theaters, waterparks and tubing.
Michael Chow, Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey updates reporters on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 29, 2020. Gov. Ducey ordered the closing of bars, gyms, theaters, waterparks and tubing.
Michael Chow, Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey (center) along with Dr. Cara Christ (left) and Maj. General Michael McGuire field questions from reporters on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 29, 2020. Gov. Ducey ordered the closing of bars, gyms, theaters, waterparks and tubing.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey puts a face covering on after updating reporters on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 29, 2020. Gov. Ducey ordered the closing of bars, gyms, theaters, waterparks and tubing.
Michael Chow, Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People wear masks while carrying their tubes down to the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest near Mesa on June 28, 2020.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People prepare to float down the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest near Mesa on June 28, 2020.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Tubers float down the Salt River during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mesa, Arizona, on May 16, 2020. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey lifted his stay-at-home order Friday, May 15, and the day after Salt River Tubing reopened with some guidelines in place to promote safety during the pandemic.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey puts a face covering back on after speaking about the latest coronavirus data at a news conference on June 25, 2020, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey uses hand sanitizer as he wears a face covering prior to speaking about the latest coronavirus data at a news conference on June 25, 2020, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ wear face coverings as they arrive for a news conference to report the latest Arizona coronavirus data on June 25, 2020, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Customers wear masks as they wait to enter a store in Tempe on June 17, 2020.
Matt York/AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Transportation posts new signage on along highways urging the public to wash hands due to the recent surge in coronavirus cases on June 21, 2020, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Emelia Rhine wears a mask as she plays in the water of a splash pad at Desert Breeze Park in Chandler on June 22, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Bob Anderson walks his dog Gates through a neighborhood in downtown Phoenix as the temperature approached 110 degrees on June 22, 2020.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Customers wear masks as they wait to enter a store in Tempe on June 17, 2020.
Matt York/AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
The entrance to the H Mart Groceries & More store posts several signs letting customers know that face masks are required to enter the store on June 17, 2020, in Mesa.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People with masks on make their way around Mill Avenue in Tempe on June 20, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People without masks on make their way around Mill Avenue in Tempe on June 20, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People without masks on make their way around Mill Avenue in Tempe on June 20, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People gather to eat and drink on a Saturday night on Mill Avenue in Tempe on June 20, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey along with Dr. Cara Christ, director of Arizona Department of Health Services, and Maj. Gen. Michael McGuire walk to a room to update the state on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 17, 2020.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey updates the state on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 17, 2020.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Maj. Gen. Michael McGuire puts his mask on after speaking to reporters on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 17, 2020.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, puts her mask on after speaking to reporters on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 17, 2020.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey puts his mask on after speaking to reporters on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 17, 2020.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey updates the state on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix on June 17, 2020.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
A person is brought to a medical transport vehicle from Banner Desert Medical Center as several transports and ambulances are shown parked outside the emergency room entrance, Tuesday, June 16, 2020, in Mesa.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Berto Cortez, a CVS pharmacy technician, shows how COVID-19 tests are processed in a testing area set up by CVS at St. Vincent de Paul medical clinic on June 15, 2020, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Signage in Spanish at the entrance to a local post office suggests social distancing and wearing PPE, Tuesday, June 16, 2020, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
A customer stops at a drive-thru self-swab coronavirus test site at a CVS Pharmacy location on June 14, 2020, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Berto Cortez, a CVS pharmacy technician, shows how COVID-19 tests are processed in a testing area set up by CVS at St. Vincent de Paul medical clinic on June 15, 2020, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Signage at the entrance to a local post office suggests social distancing and wearing PPE on June 16, 2020, in Laveen.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
In this May 13, 2020 file photo guests dine in-house at a restaurant in Phoenix.
Matt York/AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
In this June 1, 2020 file photo, Kristina Washington, special education staff member at Desert Heights Preparatory Academy, walks past a series of desks and chairs at the school in Phoenix, returning to her classroom for only the second time since the coronavirus outbreak closed schools.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey answers a question after announcing the latest coronavirus numbers and recent spike in cases during a news conference Thursday, June 11, 2020, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin, AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Dr. Cara Christ, Director of Arizona Department of Health Services, answers a question after Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey announced the latest coronavirus numbers and recent spike in cases during a news conference Thursday, June 11, 2020, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin, AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
A patron with an appointment lines up at the St. Vincent de Paul Clinic to get a coronavirus test as the clinic has partnered with CVS Health to provide the testing Tuesday, June 9, 2020, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin, AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
The scene outside the emergency room at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa on June 9, 2020. Banner Health, Arizona’s largest health system, has about half of the state’s hospitalized COVID-19 on any given day.
David Wallace/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Matthew Garcia, owner of Arizona Bio-Fogging Disinfection Services, uses a propane powered bio-fogger to disinfect the Jabz Boxing studio at 3136 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix, as the boxing fitness center for women prepares to reopen following their closure in mid March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, on May 14, 2020.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Father Andres Arango distributes Holy Communion while wearing a mask amid COVID-19 at Gordon Hall at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Phoenix on May 10, 2020.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Bartenders Chase Watts, right, and Luke Valenzuela make drinks at Culinary Dropout in Phoenix on May 22, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey Dr. Cara Christ, Director of Arizona Department of Health Services, left, depart after speaking about the state’s most recent coronavirus data during a news conference Thursday, May 28, 2020, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin, AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Customers drink at the bar as masked employees work at Culinary Dropout in Phoenix on May 22, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
A phone case and repair kiosk employee relaxes in between customers at Chandler Fashion Center mall in Chandler on May 23, 2020.
, Eli Imadali/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Greg Neises, a bartender, wipes down the bar after serving a guest at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale on May 22, 2020. With demand starting to pick back up at the Hotel Valley Ho, the hotel has implemented procedures such as partitions, limiting capacity and having staff wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Rianna Vallecillo receives her diploma from principal Sarah Tolar during a senior sendoff celebration on May 21, 2020, at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe, Ariz.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Actor Sean Penn records a video on a community member’s phone at a food distribution point before the start of a weekend-long curfew in Coyote Canyon, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation on May 15, 2020.
David Wallace/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Al Duberchin (right, medical tech) monitor employees temperatures, including Mark Walsh (left), May 19, 2020, as they enter the Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, 1111 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, Arizona.
Mark Henle/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Volunteer Tuqa Alfatlawi, help Muslim community mostly from Syria, during the Food distribution at the Islamic Community Center of Phoenix. Families in need came for a drive-through service due to coronavirus for safety.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Parishioners attend Mass at St. Luke Catholic Church in Phoenix May 17, 2020. The church resumed services limited to 25% capacity after state restrictions due to the coronavirus were allowed to expire.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Mountain View students laugh and react to cars passing by during the Mountain View High School senior parade salute in Mesa, Ariz. on May 16, 2020.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Graduating seniors toss their caps at 7:15pm during the Mountain View High School senior parade salute in Mesa, Ariz. on May 16, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Tubers float down the Salt River during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mesa, Ariz. on May 16, 2020. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey lifted his stay-at-home order Friday, the 15, and the day after Salt River Tubing reopened with some guidelines in place to promote safety during the pandemic.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Local residents go for evening outing at Tempe Town Lake on May 14, 2020.
Nick Oza/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
James Landry (left) and Coy Vernon train while others chill having picnic at Scottsdale Civic Center on May 14, 2020.
Nick Oza/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Erin Walter, from left, Angelica Kenrick and Sheri Rearick, all with the Professional Beauty Association, participate in an online work meeting at Kenrick’s home in Phoenix on May 14, 2020. Walter and Rearick surprised Kenrick on her birthday by coming to her home, to work from home. The three employees had not seen each other in weeks.
David Wallace/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
May 12, 2020; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; No spectators allowed signs at the club house during round one at the Scottsdale AZ Open at Talking Stick Golf Club’s OÕodham course. This is the first semi-significant sports event to take place in the Valley since the sports shutdown in March due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Rob Schumacher, Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
The new coronavirus in Arizona
People pack into CASA Tempe on the first day of dine in reopening in Tempe on May 11, 2020.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
People pack into CASA Tempe on the first day of dine-in reopening in Tempe on May 11, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles offers dine in services after more than a month of take out only due to COVID-19 in Phoenix, Ariz. on May 11, 2020. Many restaurants around Arizona began reopening dining services as Arizona Governor Doug Ducey lifted some restrictions under the COVID-19 lock down.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
From left, Kiaya Stearns, Cae Stearns, Heather Stears and Landen Stearns wave to their grandparents above, Harry and Jeanne Sharkey, during a drive-by Mother’s Day parade at LivGenerations, a senior-living community in Ahwatukee, on May 10, 2020. Seeing their grandparents’ reaction to the parade said it all, they said. “It felt amazing,” Heather Stearns said.
Eli Imadali/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Sarah Lawrence gets tested for COVID-19 by a Dignity Health medical worker at a drive-up testing site at State Farm Stadium from Dignity Health and the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Dignity Health medical workers Stephanie Tyrin and Shannon Miller relax in between patients at a drive-up coronavirus testing site at State Farm Stadium from Dignity Health and the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
From left, manager David Grady and owner Mimi Nguyen do mother and daughter customers Tonna and Elaina Yutze’s nails at AZ Nails Spa 101 near the P83 Entertainment District in Peoria on May 8, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Matthew Gallegos (left) cuts Justin Beam’s hair (right) inside of his shop Matt’s Barber Parlor in Phoenix, Ariz. on May 8, 2020. After Arizona Governor Doug Ducey allowed salons, barbershops, and other retail stores to resume businesses many barbershops and salons in Phoenix began taking clients by appointment only.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Jets sit parked near the run way at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on May 7, 2020.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Volunteers, including Andy Torres (center) wait to load food boxes, May 6, 2020, during a St Mary’s Food Bank mobile distribution at the Gila River Arena, 9400 West Maryland, Glendale.
Mark Henle/The Republic
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President Trump tours Honeywell International’s mask-making operation in Phoenix May 5, 2020. Honeywell added manufacturing capabilities in Phoenix to produce N95 face masks in support of the governments response to COVID-19.
Michael Chow/The Republic
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Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (front), Sen. Martha McSally (back left) and Rep Debbie Lesko (right) wear masks while waiting for President Trump to speak at Honeywell International’s mask-making operation in Phoenix May 5, 2020. Honeywell added manufacturing capabilities in Phoenix to produce N95 face masks in support of the governments response to COVID-19.
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Phoenix Fire Department helped Bea Markow celebrate her 100th birthday, while keeping social distancing in mind.
Phoenix Fire Department
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The staff of Hood Burger outside Cobra Arcade Bar in downtown Phoenix on May 2, 2020. Hood Burger, a nonprofit pop-up eatery, is offering food to help the Arizona Coalition to Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence.
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Demonstrators listen to speakers during a rally for the governor to open the state at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. Organizers of the event say that quarantine is for the sick and not the healthy. May 3, 2020.
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Derick Asturias gets tested for the novel coronavirus during the testing blitz at Valle del Sol, a testing site in Phoenix on May 2, 2020.
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Jets with Luke Air Force Base and the Arizona National Guard fly over the valley near Luke Air Force base to honor people fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 virus in Ariz. on May 1, 2020.
Thomas Hawthorne, Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
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Healthcare professionals take a selfie outside Valleywise Health Medical Center as they wait for a flyover from the Arizona National Guard to honor essential workers in Phoenix, Ariz. on May 1, 2020.
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Brandy Nieman, on left, and Jill Cunningham rides in a bus in downtown Phoenix. Valley Metro Transit System will be reducing their services due to Covid-19.
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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald speaks to the media before dropping off food to medical workers April 29, 2020. Fitzgerald was dropping off food from Ocean 44 Restaurant to various health care workers helping with COVID-19.
Michael Chow/The Republic
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Quyen Bach (left) and Chris French have their photos taken by Kim Ly at Papago Park in Phoenix on April 29, 2020. Both are graduating from A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry.
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Jamie Doles lays with her daughter Paisley, 3, as they watch the Book of Life at the Digital Drive-In AZ in Mesa, Ariz. on April 20, 2020.
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A health care worker stands in counter protest as people march towards the Arizona State Capitol in protest of Gov. Doug Ducey’s stay-at-home order to combat the coronavirus April 20, 2020. They were urging the governor to re-open the state.
Michael Chow/The Republic
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The copper dome and Winged Victory statue over the Arizona State Capitol is illuminated with blue light in Phoenix during the “Light It Blue” campaign across the United States to honor essential front-line workers and health care professionals during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic
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United Food Bank volunteers and National Guard soldiers distribute care packages to families on April 17, 2020, at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz.
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Melissa Read breaks down cardboard boxes while United Food Bank volunteers and National Guard soldiers distribute care packages to families on April 17, 2020, at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz.
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Bruce Forstrom, a volunteer with United Food Bank, prepares emergency food bags at the United Food Bank warehouse in Mesa on April 16, 2020. Despite the increased need because of the coronavirus pandemic, United Food Bank has seen an over 60 percent decrease in volunteers, also because of the pandemic, according to Tyson Nansel, United Food Bank director of public and media relations.
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A rider wears a mask over her face while traveling east on the Arizona Canal Trail near Goldwater Blvd and East 5th Ave. in Scottsdale. Apr. 15, 2020
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James Smith, with Balfour, the company that sells graduations caps and gowns, hands a cap, gown and grad box which includes graduation mailing announcements, to a Skyline high school graduating senior as they pick them up from their vehicle at Skyline high school in Mesa on April 14, 2020. Tom Brennan, principal of Skyline, says he is unsure what kind of graduation ceremony they will have, if any at all, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
David Wallace/The Republic
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Frances Rozzen, wearing a mask because of the coronavirus pandemic, looks at the near empty shelves of toilet paper and paper towels at the Safeway grocery store on 16th Street and Southern Avenue in Phoenix on April 13, 2020.
David Wallace/The Republic
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A masked golfer tees off on the 12th hole, April 13, 2020, at Arizona Grand Golf Course, 8000 S, Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix.
Mark Henle/The Republic
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Kathy Jacobsen signals to her mother, Audrey Wilson, 80, who has dementia, through the glass pane of a door, at Arbor Rose Senior Center in Mesa on April 1, 2020. Jacobsen was taking her mother out of the facility because of concerns of a coronavirus outbreak within the facility. She is moving her mother in with her at her Gilbert home. Jacobsen had not be able to visit her mother inside the facility because of the coronavirus pandemic since early March.
David Wallace/The Republic
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Charlie and Stacy Derouen raise their hands as they listen to Pastor Jason Anderson during an Easter drive-in service at the Living World Bible Church in Mesa, Ariz. on April 12, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
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Friends catch up on conversation and practice social distancing in an empty shopping center in Phoenix on April 11, 2020.
Michael Meister/The Republic
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Apr. 10, 2020; Phoenix, AZ, USA; A cross tops the steeple at Dream City Church in Phoenix during the sunrise on Good Friday. Most churches across the United States will be empty on Easter Sunday due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic
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Damion Holliday (left) and Andrew Morales wait for their flight to San Diego at Terminal 4 on April 9, 2020, at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
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Airport employees touch their feet together at Terminal 4 on April 9, 2020, at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Chalk messages written on a sidewalk in a Tempe neighborhood, reference the coronavirus pandemic on April 8, 2020.
David Wallace/The Republic
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Bryan Harding, who works in real estate, works on his front porch in the Maple-Ash neighborhood of Tempe on April 9, 2020. Harding says he likes to work outside because it gives him his own space while his wife works inside.
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People at Living Word Bible Church attend a “drive-in church service” in Mesa, Ariz. April 5, 2020. The coronavirus pandemic has forced churches to come up with new ways to hold service while social distancing. People are encouraged to honk for amen.
Michael Chow/The Republic
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Zacona Michaux hands out lunches at Edison Elementary School in Mesa on April 9, 2020. Mesa school district is having trouble getting food supplies and is having to scale back on meal distribution. Edison elementary meal site is closing effective April 10. Starting April 13 meals can be picked up a Kino Junior High (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays).
Cheryl Evans/The Republic
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Haim Ainsworth and his son, Jacob Shapiro-Ainsworth, 11, share a laugh during an online Seder during the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover at their home in Tempe on April 8, 2020. The Seder which included members from Temple Emanuel was being held online because of the coronavirus pandemic.
David Wallace/The Republic
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Apr. 7, 2020; Phoenix, AZ, USA; The supermoon, also known as the pink moon rises over the Papago Park Buttes, it is the biggest and brightest supermoon of 2020. The coronavirus has changed our lives as social distancing is in our lives
Rob Schumacher/The Republic
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Cowboy Club employee Jonathan Castillo wipes down a shelf in Sedona on April 7, 2020.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
More than 1,000 rental cars sit in a parking lot near Priest Dr. and Van Buren St. in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 6, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
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Vista Monterey Park in Mesa, Ariz. is closed because of the coronavirus pandemic April 5, 2020.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Dikeya Williams stands for a portrait outside Safeway in Phoenix on April 5, 2020. She’s worn her mask, complete with a stapled on image of teeth with grillz and fangs, for two weeks and works as a child care director and provider.
Eli Imadali/The Republic
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Mary Vale (left) and Becky Leuluai wait to give out care packages to hotel employees on April 3, 2020, at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Dee Madden has her hair washed at The Savvy Stylist on a quiet Friday afternoon at the Tempe hair salon on April 3, 2020, just before Gov. Doug Ducey ordered hair and nail salons to be shut down by 5 p.m. on Saturday. Many people are avoiding hair care during the new coronavirus pandemic due to its hands-on nature.
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Farmworkers harvest iceberg lettuce, April 2, 2020, in a Desert Premium Farms field, south of Welton, Arizona.
Mark Henle/The Republic
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Colton Williams with Crescent Crown Distributing, delivers beer to Tops Liquors in Tempe, Ariz., on April 2, 2020. Tops Liquors has seen an 40 percent increase in sales in the last two weeks.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic
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Isolation tents are set up for homeless persons showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the Central Arizona Shelter Services in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 2, 2020.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
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The City of Phoenix closes park amenities due to the COVID-19 health crisis on the first day of Gov. Doug Ducey’s “stay at home” order at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic
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A woman holds a baby outside of the lobby at Banner University Medical Center Phoenix on the first day of Gov. Doug Ducey’s “stay at home” order on April 1, 2020, in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
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Paige Mulvey, 7, touches hands with her grandmother, Kathy Holcombe, 66, through a door window at her home on March 30, 2020, in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic
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A sign hangs at the front gate to Coyote Ranch, in Yuma, Ariz., Monday, March 29, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Randy Hoeft, AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Gov. Doug Ducey listens to speakers on COVID-19 during a news conference at the Arizona Commerce Authority in Phoenix March 30, 2020. Gov. Ducey issued a stay at home order effective close of business March 31.
Michael Chow/The Republic
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Dr. Warren Stewart Sr., senior pastor, speaks during a live-streamed Sunday service at First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix on March 29, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic
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U.S. Army National Guard specialist Frank Rezzano and U.S. Air Force technical sergeant Justin Emanuelson stock shelves at Basha’s grocery store in Scottsdale on March 28, 2020.
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A heart of lighted rooms done by Sheraton Phoenix Downtown on March 27, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
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Timothy Leonard, 73, shops for groceries at Los Altos Ranch Market during the coronavirus pandemic in Phoenix on March 27, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic
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Adam Hansen, a doctor from Redirect Health in Glendale, takes a swab from a patient in a drive-thru to test for flu and coronavirus on March 25, 2020. Medicare and some insurance plans will cover the testing (with normal co-pays and deductibles) or there is a $49 self-pay option. Experts say it’s important to get a test inside the first 48 hours of symptoms starting.
Nick Oza/The Republic
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Medical assistant Mary Hermiz checks a sample from a patient at a Glendale drive-thru that tests for flu and coronavirus on March 25, 2020. Medicare and some insurance plans will cover the testing (with normal co-pays and deductibles) or there is a $49 self-pay option. Experts say it’s important to get a test inside the first 48 hours of symptoms starting.
Nick Oza/The Republic
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As many Phoenicians work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Avenue appears empty and void of traffic in downtown Phoenix on March 25, 2020.
Michael Chow and Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic
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Spc. Sofia Pez (left) and Spc. Juan Sandoval load a box into a client’s vehicle on March 25, 2020, at the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance in Phoenix.
Mark Henle/The Republic
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Emily Miles has her temperature taken before being allowed to donate blood at a temporary blood bank set up in a church’s fellowship hall Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in Tempe, Ariz. Schools and businesses that typically host blood drives are temporarily closed due to precautionary measures in place to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus leading to extremely low levels of blood availability throughout the state.
Matt York, AP
The new coronavirus in Arizona
Shawn Ray, owner of S2 Armament LLC, tells a customer that nearly all inventory of firearms and ammo are sold out at Patriot Nation Firearms and Accessories in Phoenix.
David Wallace/The Republic
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John White, 9, decorates his mother’s van before a parade for Val Vista Lakes Elementary School students in their neighborhoods on March 23, 2020, in Gilbert, Ariz.
Sean Logan/The Republic
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Banner UMC’s drive-up system in Tucson is for emergency room triage for a variety of illnesses and is not for random testing for COVID-19. It has been put in place to keep crowds from the ER and protect the health of patients and staff.
Josh Galemore/Arizona Daily Star
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Toliet paper offered with frame purchases at the downtown Farmer’s Market in Phoenix, Ariz. on March 21, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic
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Sheena Williams of Nature’s Medicines announcing to keep a distance from each other from long lines for people who are in need with their medical card. Because of the new law on gathering, they were allowing five people at the time, and everyone was keeping a distance from themselves to get their Medicine.
Nick Oza/The Republic
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A tent for extra hospital beds is pictured at the Phoenix VA on March 19, 2020, in Phoenix.
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Customers wait for the doors to open, March 17, 2020, at Target, 1818 E. Baseline Road, Tempe.
Mark Henle/The Republic
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Individuals are tested for COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus at a mobile clinic set up in the parking lot at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix on the morning of March 18, 2020. Only Mayo Clinic patients with a doctor’s order could use the mobile clinic. A slow but steady stream of vehicles was passing through the mobile clinic on Wednesday morning.
David Wallace/The Republic
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Mar. 18, 2020; Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, USA; Two Taiwanese tourists wear N-95 masks while taking in the view at Mather Point at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Due to the coronavirus COVID-19, park entrance fees are suspended, shuttle bus service is suspended and visitor centers are closed.
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A customers grabs a package of toilet paper on March 18, 2020, at a Target store in Tempe. Target is only allowing one per customer.
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Customers grab toilet paper on March 18, 2020, at a Target store in Tempe. Target is only allowing one per customer.
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Hikers watch the sun set from the top of “A” Mountain in Tempe on March 17, 2020.
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Juliana Posso (L) and Evan Davis during the Brides of March bar crawl at the Churchill in Phoenix, Ariz. on March 13, 2020.
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A sign announces that Major League Baseball has suspended the 2020 spring training season, this is in response to the COVID-19 virus health emergency on March 13, 2020 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale.
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Robert Truman, with SSC Services for Education, uses an electrostatic sprayer to sanitize a classroom on March 12, 2020, at Kyrene de la Mirada Elementary School in Chandler.
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The new coronavirus in Arizona
Lizzo, a Grammy award-winning rapper and singer, bought lunch for Chandler health care workers from Dilly’s Sandwiches in Tempe.
Alison Steinbach, Arizona Republic
Published 7:04 p.m. MT July 15, 2020 | Updated 8:02 p.m. MT July 15, 2020
CLOSE
The latest COVID-19 data may show the first signs of improvement since the surge of summer cases in Arizona, although public health analysts say more time is needed to point to a firm trend.
After weeks of case spikes, it’s possible daily case counts may be flattening, but it will take time to see if this trend continues given test results reporting lags.
Emergency room visits by people with COVID-like-symptoms dropped over the past week, with the exception of a jump back up on Tuesday, according to hospital-reported data posted by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Other hospital metrics like beds in use are still increasing most days, but may be doing so less quickly. It appears inpatient beds are starting to level off.
And the percentage of tests that have come back positive, which has hovered at the highest level nationwide, may be gradually plateauing or decreasing — but still, at a very high level.
All these metrics remain near the highest that have been reported since the pandemic began, but they may be starting to trend downwards. Another week or two will provide more certainty.
“There are some encouraging signs that the pace of this outbreak is moderating,” said Joe Gerald, an associate professor at University of Arizona’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
“I do see some encouraging signs in some of the data. Not all of the data, but some of the data, and it is cause for some very cautious optimism,” said Gerald, who has been modeling Arizona’s outbreak for several months.
Dr. Murtaza Akhter, a UA College of Medicine-Phoenix assistant professor and ER physician at Valleywise and other local emergency rooms, said ER visits may be starting to level off, but patient volume is still high. And the situation could worsen again if people who became ill in recent surges of positive cases get sicker and check into hospitals in the days and weeks ahead, he said.
“We may be sort of plateauing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’ve hit the peak,” he said.
Akhter cited Arizona’s high cases per capita — third in the country on Wednesday, trailing only New York City and New Jersey — and high percentage of positive tests, which Johns Hopkins University ranks as the highest in the country.
Case counts: Possibly moderating
Here’s the data the public health experts are looking at:
Over the past week, the daily number of new cases reported by the state health department has started to flatten, one of the first potentially promising signs in Arizona’s COVID-19 battle.
Maricopa County is seeing a “slight flattening of the curve,” according to Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director of disease control for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. “What we don’t know for sure is how prolonged that flattening will be. We hope that it will continue to decrease, although it’s much more clear that it is a flattening right now.”
Statewide trends look similar.
“It does look like we have flattened a little bit,” said Joshua LaBaer, director of the Arizona State University Biodesign Institute and leader of the university’s COVID-19 research efforts. “Day over day, the case numbers seem to be kind of consistent, so that’s a sign that it’s not accelerating the way it was a few weeks ago.”
But experts say Arizona is still adding far too many new cases. Even if it’s plateauing, it’s plateauing at a number that’s too high, with around 3,500 new cases added each day.
It’s too soon to tell if the case numbers will continue to decrease.
“We shouldn’t be cheering, and we certainly shouldn’t back off,” LaBaer said.
Gerald cautioned about reading too much into the daily case numbers. He said it does seem like they’re slowing, but the appearance of improvement could be because of delayed test results, as lag times have risen in recent weeks.
Another week or two will show whether there’s actual improvement, he said.
“Things could be getting worse a lot faster than they are. The fact that case counts are moderating; that’s a good thing, but it doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods,” Gerald said.
“This is a really long battle. While I’m optimistic and hopeful these are good signs, we still have a long way to go, so we can’t relax or get overly complacent because we think things are getting somewhat better.”
Death rates: Too soon to tell
In general, it’s too soon to tell what effect moderating cases are having on deaths. Deaths are a lagging indicator, because they won’t be known until several weeks after positive cases emerge.
LaBaer said Arizona’s death rate has been much lower than places like New York. Arizona had the advantage of watching the virus and learning from other places before it got hard hit. He said death rates have continued to rise in Arizona, though, and will continue to do so until case numbers lessen.
Sunenshine of Maricopa County said flattening cases will likely in a week or two lead to a “flattening or decrease” in hospitalization data, and hopefully a week or two after that, a decline in the death rate.
ER visits, inpatient hospitalizations: Signs of slowing
Doctors and nurses say local hospitals are still overwhelmed, but state health department data shows stress on hospitals may be starting to ease slightly.
Emergency department visits for positive and suspected COVID-19 patients had been decreasing for six days straight until they shot up again Tuesday, according to hospital data reported to the state.
A record 2,008 patients visited emergency departments on July 7, but each day since then has seen fewer visits than the day before, until Tuesday’s 1,810 reported visits.
This doesn’t mean visits are low; they just might be decreasing slightly. Emergency department visits in the past week have still been higher than pretty much any time earlier in the pandemic.
Akhter said even if ER volume is potentially plateauing, patients are still staying for hours in the emergency department and it’s hard to find them beds. Hospitals are still overwhelmed and bumping up against capacity, he said.
“In the ER, it is very hard to get a patient a critical care bed when he needs one, regardless of what the numbers say,” Akhter said. “Looking at those numbers is reasonable, but it doesn’t fully account for the fact that on the ground, it’s hard to get a bed.”
Daily emergency department visits statewide surpassed 1,000 on June 16 and have been above that level every day but two since. During April and May, ER daily visits for COVID-19 were typically in the 400s and 500s, rising into the 600s in the last few days of May.
“Hopefully it’s a sign of things improving,” said Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association and former state health director, of the more recent data.
Humble said ER visits are a “leading indicator,” compared with deaths, which are a lagging indicator.
That means spikes in ER visits may be a warning sign of increases in cases and hospital beds occupied in the days and weeks ahead. Decreasing ER visits could be a sign of the opposite — an early indicator that things may be abating.
Dr. Frank LoVecchio, a UA College of Medicine-Phoenix professor and emergency room doctor at several Valley hospitals, said he has not seen a decrease in ER visits.
“When you look at numbers in Arizona and look at our dashboards, they don’t tell the whole picture,” he said. “Universally, it is a mess. We talk about a pandemic; I talk about pandemonium in the ER. It is such insane gridlock, it’s hard to fathom.”
LoVecchio said he is “optimistic” that ER visits really are going down, but said, “I don’t see that.”
He instead sees what seem to be flat or increasing numbers of COVID-19 emergency department visits. He said rooms meant to hold 40 patients are now holding 80, with patients lying two to a room and new patients often seen first in the ER waiting room instead of an exam room.
Ninety percent of the patients LoVecchio sees in the ERs are COVID-19-related, he said. He said he hears from colleagues in New York and New Orleans that things will “all of a sudden” level off and he’ll be seeing very few, instead of nearly all, COVID-19 patients.
“I can’t wait for that to flip,” LoVecchio said.
Gerald said he does not rely much on ER trends in his analyses because they tend to fluctuate more than other hospital metrics like inpatient beds, ICU beds and ventilators in use by COVID-19 patients.
All those trend lines have been largely increasing in recent days, although Gerald said inpatient beds may be “moderating.” That’s “somewhat encouraging,” he said, as changes in inpatient beds typically lead to changes in ICU beds; as inpatients moderate or decrease slightly, it’s hopeful ICU beds might do the same a few days later.
Inpatient hospital beds filled by COVID-19 patients have been steadily increasing since early June, but starting last week, they began flattening for the first time, according to state data.
For the first day in weeks, Tuesday saw no record numbers for inpatient beds, ICU beds and ventilators in use for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients.
While that’s a positive, hospitals remain overwhelmed. High numbers of new patients are still admitted to hospitals, and beds are tight for all COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients.
LaBaer said he’s heard from many that they have temporarily closed ICUs off to new patients as they’ve run out of beds.
Percent positive: Possible plateau
Another indicator that seems to be moving in the right direction is the percent of tests that are coming back positive.
It’s possible that number might be leveling off or decreasing compared with a few weeks ago. According to Arizona Department of Health Services, the percentage of positive tests out of all tests per week was at 21% two weeks ago, up from 20% three weeks ago, 18% four weeks ago and 14% five weeks ago.
But last week, it’s at 17% so far for tests that have been run, although many test results are still outstanding. When the state decided to reopen on May 16, that percent positive number had been trending down to as low as 5%.
Arizona still has the highest percent positive nationwide, according to a Johns Hopkins analysis, although its seven-day average has decreased slightly from last week. Johns Hopkins calculates Arizona’s current seven-day average at 24.7% positive, down from last week’s 25.3%. Its graph of 7-day moving averages shows a plateau and a decrease in percent positivity from last week.
“It’s still incredibly high,” Gerald said. “It’s a bad number no matter how you look at it, but it’s just not as bad as it might have been.”
Arizona ideally wants to get the percent positivity under 5%, or at least under 10%, meaning there is adequate community testing to catch symptomatic cases, asymptomatic cases and negative cases.
Humble said ramping up testing, and contact tracing and other interventions, will significantly drive down the percent of positive tests. Arizona will reach a lower percent positive when there is less community transmission and when testing is more widespread to test lower-risk people, he said.
Face masks: Likely having an impact
The impact of face coverings, which were mandated by many Arizona cities starting in late June, could be reflected in recent case data.
“If we have any moderation right now, I think the most likely explanation is that face masks may turn out to be a very important component of our public health response,” Gerald said. “The timing fits.”
LaBaer said that increased face mask usage, in addition to other interventions like closing bars and more people staying home, may be responsible for some of the gradual flattening of recent days — suggesting that individual action can go a long way.
Akhter, the emergency room physician, urged strongly that individuals wear face masks whenever around others to slow the spread and protect the hospital system so it can care for COVID-19 and all other patients.
“I’m doing everything I can in the ER to help people, and so are my colleagues, but we’re not magicians. There’s a limit to what we can do … if there’s not enough beds,” he said. “The hospitals are very full.”
The best way to continue any positive trends and slow the spread is a combination of personal action and public health intervention like expanded testing and faster results.
“We’ve got a long way to go,” Gerald said. “This will continue to evolve over months, not weeks.”
Reach the reporter at [email protected] or at 602-444-4282. Follow her on Twitter @alisteinbach.
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