Arizona Reports 3,600 New Virus Cases, Record Hospitalizations

PHOENIX, AZ — As cases in the state continue to surge, Arizona reported a record number of people are currently hospitalized in the state for treatment of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

As of Saturday, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported 2,577 people were hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19. The state hit its previous record high on Wednesday when 2,453 people were receiving inpatient care.

The state also confirmed another 3,591 positive cases on Saturday, bringing the total confirmed cases in the state to 70,051. It was the fourth time this week more than 3,000 cases were reported in a single day.

The state also reported 44 new fatalities related to COVID-19. To date, 1,579 Arizonians have died.

Arizona, among a handful of other states, has emerged as an epicenter of new coronavirus cases. The surge has caused state leaders to pause reopening their economies and, in some instances, ordering businesses to close just weeks after reopening.

Health experts have said a disturbingly large number of cases are being seen among young people who are going out again, often without wearing masks or observing other social distancing rules, according to The Associated Press.

Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday advised residents that the spiking numbers in cases, hospitalizations and positive tests — reflecting an increasing spread of infection — will continue to get worse.

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