Arizona reports 742 new COVID-19 cases, 3 additional deaths; cases show upward trend
Coronavirus testing site (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Amouris Coss)
PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona health officials on Oct. 18 reported 742 new confirmed coronavirus cases with three additional deaths.
Officials with the Arizona Department of Health Sciences said there have now been 231,149 COVID-19 cases — with nearly 150,000 coming in Maricopa County — and 5,827 deaths statewide since the pandemic began.
They said Arizona is seeing a slow increase in the average number of coronavirus cases since a decline that lasted through August and September appears to be ending.
Arizona was a national hotspot for the virus in June and early July, but numbers began to drop last month.
Thursday saw the first daily tally above 1,000 in a month.
The number of Arizona’s confirmed or suspected COVID-19 hospital inpatients dropped to 714 Sunday after hitting 757 the day before, which was a high for the month so far.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.
But for some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. The vast majority of people recover, however.
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
Coronavirus in Arizona: Latest case numbers
MAP: Arizona Coronavirus cases by zip code
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