Arizona surge of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations continues

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) - A surge of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continues in Arizona as state officials report 30 additional deaths stemming from the coronavirus outbreak.

The Department of Health Services on Saturday reported 1,119 additional cases, increasing the statewide total to 25,451 as of June 6.

Meanwhile, 1,278 people were hospitalized because of COVID-19 as of Friday, the fifth straight day with more than 1,000 hospitalizations.

The 30 additional deaths increased the statewide death toll to 1,042.

Gov. Doug Ducey allowed his stay-home orders to end May 15, and a surge of new cases began about 10 days later — about the time it takes an infected person to develop symptoms.

Ducey said Thursday that all deaths were mourned but that the surge in cases wasn’t unexpected and not yet a trend that merited reimposing restrictions.

Banner Health officials said Friday the Phoenix-based hospital chain was having to shuttle COVID-19 patients and staff between facilities to avoid overloading intensive care units.

MORE: Medical experts voice concerns as Arizona coronavirus deaths top 1,000

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.

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.
• 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.

Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus, but may put you in a better position to fight it.

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.

Continuing Coverage

FOX 10 is working to keep you up to date with local and national developments on COVID-19. Every weekday on FOX News Now, our live coverage begins at 7 a.m. MST reporting the latest news, prevention tips and treatment information.

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You can also get the latest coronavirus news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.