Arizona reports 2,176 new COVID-19 cases, no deaths

PHOENIX - Arizona health officials are reporting 2,176 new confirmed COVID-19 cases but no additional deaths.

The latest numbers released on Dec. 20 push the state’s pandemic totals to 1,338,982 cases and 23,519 known deaths.

Hospitalizations due to the virus numbered at 2,496 as of Sunday.

Arizona’s largest hospital systems warn that a surge in hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients and patients seeking treatment for other issues could lead soon to a rationing of care.

Hospitals in more rural parts of the state have put in requests to the federal government for more medical staff.

All have said the majority of their COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated.

Data from the state Department of Health Services’ dashboard showed that 68.5% of Arizonans old enough to get vaccinated have received at least one shot

That trails the national rates of 76.9% of age-eligible individuals with at least one dose.

Meanwhile, the Health System Alliance of Arizona and member hospitals issued a statewide message urging Arizonans to do everything they can to slow down the spread of COVID-19.

Communities start to offer free rapid COVID tests

In the lead-up to the holiday weekend, some communities in the Phoenix area have started to offer free, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests.

In Tempe, there will be multiple locations within the city where people can get a free test. Mesa, meanwhile, started giving them out a week ago. The tests run about $25 in stores.

Plenty of people stocked up on Dec. 20, as the weekend approaches amid news of the omicron variant and the uncertainty ahead.

Some, like Richard Garcia, had hoped they wouldn't have to be getting at-home COVID-19 tests at this point.

Garcia had hoped that a long, frustrating pandemic would be over, as the country heads into the holiday season and 2022.

"It’s disappointing," said Garcia. "I know it’s nobody’s fault. You wish that more people would get vaccinated so hopefully someday, this could be over. Could be over and done."

Garcia stopped by a Mesa public library to get his at-home tests.

"My mother-in-law's 95 years old, and my sister-in-law takes care of her. Even though they’re both fully vaccinated, she doesn’t want to take the chance of making her sick," said Garcia.

Mesa Public Library ran out of the tests on Monday, due to high demand. They will remain out until another shipment comes in.

"We hope that everyone has more access," said Mesa Public Library Director Polly Bonnett. "We know it can be hard sometimes to afford a kit when you have multiple family members."

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

• Arizona mayor defies governor's COVID vaccine mandate ban: 'No authority'
• Pima County board member proposes indoor masking mandate
• Arizona health expert says to use caution this holiday season amid COVID-19 surge: 'We are all responsible'

Tune in to FOX 10 Phoenix for the latest news:

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX 10 NEWS APP