PHOENIX – On Thursday, March 26, Arizona health officials reported 508 cases of COVID-19 in Arizona, and eight deaths. The state public health lab has tested 403 people for the illness and ruled out 347 of them. The number of identified cases increased by 107 cases, or nearly 27%, from Wednesday to Thursday.
Pima County reported its second death. According to the Pima County Department of Health, the patient was a man in his 70s with underlying health condtions.
The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation said a community member who recently died tested positive for COVID-19. The 49-year-old man with underlying health conditions died before the test results were released, officials said. He was not a Fort McDowell tribal citizen.
The spread of COVID-19 in Arizona communities rose from “moderate” to “widespread” on Thursday. The new designation means that there were confirmed cases in 13 of the state’s 15 counties, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Gila and Greenlee are the only counties with no confirmed cases. Maricopa County leads the state with 299 confirmed cases.
“Given widespread transmission, all Arizonans should expect that COVID-19 is circulating in their community,” said Dr. Cara Christ, ADHS Director. “COVID-19 is a serious disease that is highly contagious and can be fatal in anyone, especially our elderly population and people with underlying health conditions. Protecting those at highest risk of complications and ensuring that our healthcare system is prepared to deal with a surge in cases is our highest priority. It is imperative that everyone takes precautions to protect themselves and their family from this disease.”
Also on Thursday, Fry’s announced that one of their employees at a store in Mesa has tested positive for the coronavirus. According to the company, the employee works at the Fry’s at Alma School Road and Main Street and last worked on March 22.
Also a resident of The Groves, located in Goodyear, tested positive for coronavirus.
To help contain the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases spread through respiratory droplets, including the flu, health officials have issued the following recommendations:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Don’t make close contact with sick individuals.
- If you are sick, stay home.
- Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away.
- Clean and disinfect objects that are frequently touched.
- If someone in your family tested postive for COVID-19, keep that entire household at home.
- Recommendations to cancel or postpone mass gatherings of 10 or more people
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