This browser does not support the Video element.
Banner Health using refrigerated trucks to expand morgue capacity
An Arizona medical group is now using refrigerated trucks to store bodies as COVID-19 takes an increasingly deadly toll on our state.
PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona health officials on Sunday reported 5,366 new COVID-19 cases and 34 more related deaths due to the current coronavirus surge.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the statewide totals now stand at 453,597 cases and 7,971 known deaths since the pandemic began in March.
Coronavirus in Arizona: Latest case numbers
The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
The state’s 4,104 COVID-19-related hospitalizations reported as of Friday was the latest in a string of pandemic-high hospitalizations reported starting earlier this month.
The previous pandemic hospitalization record was 3,517 on July 13 during Arizona’s summer surge.
According to the state’s coronavirus dashboard, only 8% of all hospital beds and of ICU beds were available and not in use.
Although many hospitals around Arizona have taken steps authorized by regulators to increase capacity during the pandemic, the state crisis plan’s provision to guide clinical decisions on providing care to patients when the system is overloaded and short of staff and critical equipment hasn’t been activated.
Continuing Coverage
Arizona continues string of record COVID-19 hospitalizations
Arizona on Dec. 19 reported another record number of COVID-19 related hospitalizations along with over 5,500 new confirmed infections and a fourth straight day of triple-digit deaths.
Top Congressional leaders agree on COVID-19 relief deal, next is a vote
The country's top lawmakers agreed to a COVID-19 relief deal late Saturday night, clearing the way for a vote to seal the relief package on Sunday.