Coronavirus cases in Arizona surpass 10,000; over 500 deaths reported
PHOENIX - There are now more than 10,000 cases of coronavirus in Arizona and 500 deaths, the state health department confirmed.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, 581 new cases were reported Friday, with 67 additional deaths.
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AZDHS says the large spike in deaths is attributed to "death certificate surveillance" dating back to April. Dr. Cara Christ with the Arizona Department of Health Services says the process may cause the number of deaths to jump more than expected, but the deaths will be shown, using the date of death, to provide a more accurate picture.
Doctor speaks out
"Now it will be day-to-day, and they’ll have the death notes to go through as well as people that deceased at hospitals or nursing homes or whatever to add to that, and we'll have a more accurate count," said Dr. Steven Oscherwitz, who is an infectious disease doctor.
Dr. Oscherwitz says Arizona has hit its peak.
"It really has hit a peak here, and it’s staying there so there’s no cases that are decreasing in any state, except New York, and if you look at all the state's information, it’s kind of frightening to me that we’re getting rid of all these measures that have kind of contained it up to this point," said Oscherwitz.
Dr. Oscherwitz says doctors and nurses are still short of Personal Protective Equipments (PPE), and that burnout is real. He is advising people to keep wearing masks in public places to protect others.
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.
- 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.
MAP: Worldwide interactive Coronavirus case data
MAP: Arizona Coronavirus cases by zip code
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https://www.azdhs.gov/coronavirus
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