Arizona coronavirus cases exceed 2,000 as deaths top 50
PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona has a total of over 2,000 cases of the new coronavirus, and the state’s death toll from the disease has topped 50, state health officials reported Saturday as President Donald Trump approved Gov. Doug Ducey’s request for a major disaster declaration.
MORE: President Trump approves Gov. Ducey's request for Arizona major disaster declaration
The Department of Health Services reported 2,019 cases statewide with 52 deaths as of Saturday morning, up from 1,769 cases and 41 deaths as of Friday.
Trump’s approval of the disaster declaration opens the door for the state to receive additional federal assistance, Ducey said in a statement that expressed thanks to the president.
“This continued collaboration will be crucial as we utilize all tools to combat this virus,” Ducey said.
Ducey also announced that Arizona has an agreement with Honeywell to produce over 6 million N95 face masks for the state over the next 12 months and that the Department of Health Services would deliver them to counties for distribution to health, safety and emergency response workers.
All 15 of Arizona counties have diagnosed coronavirus cases. Over half of the state’s cases and deaths were in Maricopa County, which includes most of metro Phoenix.
MORE: Coronavirus in Arizona - Latest case numbers
Maricopa County health officials reported 1,173 cases — 58% of the statewide total — and 28 deaths, 54% of the statewide fatalities. The state listed two fewer cases in Maricopa County.
Arizona reported its first diagnosed case, a man in Maricopa County who had returned from travel to Wuhan, China, on Jan. 26. The second case wasn’t reported until March 2, also in Maricopa County.
Arizona reported its first coronavirus death, also in Maricopa County, on March 20.
Other Arizona counties with the most cases as of Saturday morning included Pima (326), Navajo (177,) Coconino (147) , Pinal (89) and Yavapai (43), as reported by the state Department of Health Services.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
Ducey asked Trump on Wednesday to declare a major emergency for Arizona.
The federal declaration would provide help under numerous programs, including unemployment assistance, legal services, hazard mitigation, nutritional aid and crisis counseling, Ducey’s request said.
Ducey declared an emergency for the state on March 11, a step required for the federal declaration.
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Honeywell announced March 30 that it was adding manufacturing capabilities at its Phoenix campus to produce N95 masks in support of the federal government’s response to the outbreak.
MORE: Honeywell to make more than 6 million N95 masks for Arizona
“I’m grateful to Honeywell for stepping up and partnering with Arizona to help get these masks to our doctors, nurses and EMTs on the front lines,” Ducey said in a statement.
Honeywell said it anticipates the mass production of masks will create 500 jobs and that the company has begun recruiting, hiring and training manufacturing workers at its Phoenix site.
Honeywell’s announcement said some masks produced in Phoenix would go to the federal government for the national stockpile but that the company also would have capacity to produce masks for states and other American healthcare and emergency response organizations.
Honeywell said its Phoenix operation would continue to produce aircraft engines and auxiliary power units.
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