Arizona reports 361 new COVID-19 cases, no additional deaths
PHOENIX - Health officials in Arizona reported 361 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, but there were no additional deaths for the second day in a row.
The latest numbers pushed the state’s totals to 881,450 cases and 17,628 known deaths since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Memorial Day events honoring veterans were being held across the state. Some were being held in person following cancellations last year while others, like an early morning wreath-laying ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, were being shared virtually.
According to the state’s coronavirus dashboard, over 3.3 million residents have received at least one vaccine dose in Arizona, or about 46% of the state population, and 2.7 million have been fully vaccinated.
Vaccination rates vary widely, with older residents more likely to be protected.
MORE: Find COVID-19 vaccine locations in your area
Some 84% of residents age 65 and over are fully vaccinated, while only 37% of those ages 15-34 are fully vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for people age 12 and older.
Last Saturday, 19 coronavirus-related deaths were reported — the state’s largest daily increase of deaths in more than two weeks. No deaths were reported on Sunday.
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Continuing coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Arizona groups push to inoculate Central American migrants
- Vaccination rates in Arizona decline, causing wasted doses
- EEOC says employers can demand, incentivize COVID-19 shots
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In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Monitor your health daily
Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.
Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.
RELATED: Is it the flu, a cold or COVID-19? Different viruses present similar symptoms
To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.
And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.