Arizona reports 14,888 new COVID-19 cases, 30 deaths

PHOENIX - Arizona on Friday reported 30 additional COVID-19-related deaths as virus-related hospitalizations inched upward, with 2,562 COVID-19 patients occupying inpatient beds as of Thursday.

The state’s coronavirus dashboard on Friday also reported 14,888 additional confirmed cases. The daily reports of additional cases typically include ones from multiple prior dates. The state’s largest daily report of additional cases was 17,234 on Jan. 3, 2021.

According to the dashboard, Monday had Arizona’s pandemic peak of 13,533 confirmed cases from specimens collected on one date. The previous record was 12,447 on Jan. 4, 2021.

Arizona’s seven-day rolling average of new cases tripled over the past two weeks from 2,928 on Dec. 22 to 8,880 on Wednesday while the rolling average of daily deaths dropped from 71 to 59.3 during the same period, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

The latest figures increased Arizona’s pandemic totals to 1,445,129 cases and 24,616 deaths.

Testing site packed with people

As the current COVID-19 surge continues, people are flocking to testing sites.

In a show of supply and demand, a testing site located near Southern Avenue and Price Road was packed on Jan. 7, as cases are up and testing kit supplies remain low. At one site in Tempe, the wait was up to three hours earlier on Jan. 7.

Other sites are also seeing a steady stream of people wanting a test.

"I have a roommate that’s sick, and I don’t know if she has COVID or not," said Bertha Garcia, who was getting a COVID-19 test at a site in west Phoenix. "Just to be on the safe side, I came here to protect my mom and my family, work, and myself, of course."

Chicanos por la Causa has put up a free testing site at a COVID-19 hotspot.

 "Our specific area here at 85009 has been seeing a significant surge in cases, and obviously, most likely due to the holiday break," said Marissa Calderdon.

People conducting COVID-19 tests say they expect the current surge in demand to last for several days, and health expert Will Humble, said he would not be surprised if Arizona hits 25,000, even 30,000 cases per day in the near future.

"Essentially, the only thing we have going for us now is to go out and get a vaccine," said Humble. "Other states have measures in place, like a headwind for this virus. There’s no headwind for this virus in Arizona."

MORE: Coronavirus in Arizona: Latest case numbers

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.

More COVID-19 in Arizona news

• 6-year-old with epilepsy battling COVID-19 at Phoenix Children's for two weeks
• COVID-19 protocols: ASU will require masks indoors and a test to return to campus
• Virus-related ER visits in Arizona up as more seek COVID-19 tests
• Phoenix Sky Harbor closing two Terminal 4 security checkpoints due to COVID-19 impact on TSA workers

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