In an effort to track the changes with the coronavirus outbreak in Arizona, 12 News has started a daily live blog.
Here is the live blog for Wednesday, Jan. 13.
Major updates:
- There have been 641,729 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 10,673 coronavirus-related deaths reported in Arizona as of Wednesday.
- The state does not record how many people have recovered, but Johns Hopkins University estimates the number of people who have recovered.
- You can find COVID-19 testing sites here.
- Go to 12News.com/Vaccine to find more information on the COVID-19 vaccines.
- Scroll down to see how many cases are in each ZIP code and additional information.
COVID-19 cases reported in Arizona on Wednesday
There have been 641,729 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 10,673 coronavirus-related deaths reported in Arizona, according to the state's latest numbers.
That's an increase from the 636,100 confirmed cases and 10,482 coronavirus-related deaths reported on Tuesday.
A week ago, there were 574,680 cases and 9,444 deaths reported in Arizona.
LEER EN ESPANOL: Coronavirus en Arizona el 13 de enero: 5,629 nuevos casos, 191 muertes se reportan el miércoles
5,629 new cases, 191 new deaths reported Wednesday
The Arizona Department of Health Services reported 5,629 new cases and 191 new deaths on Wednesday.
It came one day after the state reported the highest number of deaths reported by the department on a single day. But a majority of the deaths reported on Tuesday were from death certificate matching, the department said.
Arizona had the worst state COVID-19 diagnosis rate over the past week, with one of every 105 people being diagnosed with COVID-19 from Jan. 5 to Tuesday.
According to the state’s coronavirus dashboard, 5,055 COVID-19 patients occupied inpatient beds as of Tuesday, down from Monday’s record high of 5,082.
The department said 188,740 Arizonans have been vaccinated as of Wednesday. Maricopa County said 96,000 people had been vaccinated as of Wednesday.
Arizona’s cases, deaths and hospitalizations have been steadily rising before Thanksgiving, when gatherings and travel were expected to further spread the coronavirus.
The department reports the number of new cases on the day the cases were reported to them by counties and hospitals, not on the day when someone was diagnosed with the virus.
Arizona reached 600,000 coronavirus cases on Jan. 9, 500,000 on Dec. 28, 400,000 on Dec. 12, 300,000 on Nov. 23, 200,000 on Aug. 27, 100,000 on July 6 and 50,000 cases on June 21.
The state reached 10,000 coronavirus deaths on Jan. 9, 9,000 on Jan. 1, 8,000 on Dec. 22, 7,000 on Dec. 9, 6,000 on Nov. 3, 5,000 on Aug. 29, 4,000 on Aug. 6, 3,000 deaths on July 23, 2,000 on July 9 and 1,000 on June 5.
Arizona's Rt, pronounced r-naught, was at 1.10 on Tuesday, the same since Sunday and among the top five worst in the nation.
The Rt is essentially a mathematical number that shows whether more people are becoming infected or less.
The concern is that any Rt over 1, no matter how small, means the virus may grow exponentially.
There were 11,424 cases reported on the collection date of Jan. 4, the day with the most collected diagnoses so far. The day with the second-most collected diagnoses so far was on Dec. 28, with 11,314 cases. That is subject to change.
Health officials said the day with the highest number of deaths was Dec. 17, when 122 people died. The day with the second-most deaths was Dec. 18, when 118 people died. That is subject to change.
Health officials continued to stress that people should continue social distancing, wearing masks in public, and stay home when possible.
Additional 750,000 Arizonans 65 and older to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccine
The Arizona Dept. of Health Services announced Wednesday afternoon that an additional 750,000 Arizonans aged 65 years and older will be prioritized for the COVID-19.
According to ADHS, updated guidance adds those 65 and older to populations that already include those 75 and older.
Arizonans age 65 and older will be able to register for vaccine starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 in counties that are currently vaccinating those in prioritized Phase 1B of vaccination.
Counties are able to prioritize based on available vaccine, so those seeking vaccination need to check their county health department’s plans for vaccine prioritization. Information on the phase each county is currently vaccinating, the number of doses ordered by each county, and location of vaccination sites can be found at azhealth.gov/findvaccine.
Of deaths in Arizona due to COVID-19, 85% have been among those 65 and older, per ADHS. More than 50% of cases hospitalized come in that age group.
In total, 171,000 Arizonans have been vaccinated and 17,000 have received both doses. More than 11,000 have been vaccinated at a 24/7 operation ADHS and partners launched Monday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
A second state-run vaccination facility is expected to be opened on Feb. 1 at Phoenix Municipal Stadium to accommodate for increased demand, ADHS says.
COVID-19 death rates straining Arizona hospitals, funeral homes
The death rate from COVID-19 in Arizona continues to rise. Team 12's Jen Wahl has how this is impacting local hospitals and funeral homes.
AIA reverses decision to cancel winter high school sports
The Arizona Interscholastic Association reversed its decision to cancel high school sports this winter. Team 12's Matt Yurus has the latest.
Arizona medical expert answers your COVID-19 questions
Dr. Frank LoVecchio with Valleywise Health Medical Center is answering your questions about COVID-19. You can find all the past segments at 12News.com/YouTube.
UArizona to kick off 2021 spring semester on Wednesday
The University of Arizona will kick off its 2021 spring semester on Wednesday, but things will look a little different due to COVID-19.
Waste Management Phoenix Open restricts attendance due to COVID-19
The organizers of the Waste Management Phoenix Open announced a reduced attendance for the February tournament.
The Thunderbirds said attendance would be limited to fewer than 5,000 fans each day.
Here is the statement released Wednesday:
“The Thunderbirds continue to work closely with the PGA TOUR, local government and health officials in preparation to have limited fans at the 2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open. Since returning to competition in June of 2020, the PGA TOUR has a successful track record of health and safety in the communities in which they play, including several events with ticketed spectators. We remain hopeful we can host an extremely limited number of socially distanced fans at “The People’s Open”, and in light of the current COVID climate, we have decided to further reduce our attendance to fewer than 5,000 fans each day, Wednesday through Sunday.
”The tournament will implement strict COVID safety protocols including, but certainly not limited to, the mandatory wearing of masks throughout the entire tournament grounds and thermal screening of every guest upon entry. The expansive, 192-acre, open-aired layout of TPC Scottsdale is conducive to social distancing, and combined with stringent COVID safety protocols in place, The Thunderbirds are confident we can conduct a safe and responsible tournament in February.”
Walmart in Surprise to temporarily close
The Surprise Walmart Supercenter on Bell Road will be closed on Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. and will reopen on Jan. 15 at 7 a.m.
A Walmart spokesperson said the store is closing to allow crews to clean and sanitize the building.
A statement from Walmart said:
“Everything we’re doing is for the well-being of our associates and customers, and in consideration of guidance by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and health experts. When the store reopens Friday, we will continue conducting associate health screens and temperature checks, and all associates will be provided with facemasks and gloves.
“These protocols are in addition to the extensive measures we’ve put in place during the pandemic to help protect our associates and customers, including installing sneeze guards at registers, temperature checks and mandatory mask-wearing for associates, placing social distancing signage and enacting emergency leave policy for associates who are unable or uncomfortable coming to work. Additionally, through the help of our health ambassadors, we will continue requiring customers to wear protective facial coverings while inside the building."
Scottsdale reestablishes mask requirement
Scottsdale's new mayor David Ortega issued an emergency proclamation Wednesday that reestablished a face covering requirement within city limits.
Masks must be worn in public if physical distancing by at least 6 feet is not possible.
Masks are required in stores, restaurants, gyms and public transit.
Read the emergency proclamation here.
Navajo Nation reports 193 new cases, 3 new deaths
Navajo Nation officials report 193 additional known COVID-19 cases and three more deaths from the coronavirus outbreak.
The additional cases and deaths reported late Tuesday increased the pandemic’s totals for the tribe’s reservation to 25,576 cases and 874 deaths as of Tuesday.
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 reservation includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
The above article is from The Associated Press.
Arizona health department sets up hotline to report businesses
The Arizona Department of Health Services has set up two ways for people to report local businesses that are not following COVID-19 guidelines.
People can report businesses through a hotline or through an online form:
- Submit a complaint online at www.azhealth.gov/complianceCOVID19
- Calling the COVID-19 Compliance Hotline at 1-844-410-2157
“There’s a role for the public as well: If you believe a business isn’t following these requirements, which were established for the safety of customers, employees, and the broader public, ADHS encourages you to share your concerns so local and state officials can follow up as needed,” AZDHS said in a statement.
Free masks available for some Arizonans
The Arizona Department of Health Services announced that some Arizonans would be able to get free masks from the state.
The department partnered with Hanes to provide free face masks to Arizona’s most vulnerable populations.
Anyone who is part of a vulnerable population (including, but not limited to, individuals with medical conditions or individuals age 65 or older), a student (or parents on behalf of students), school staff member or who may not be able to purchase one is able to get a free mask.
Each other will provide five washable, reusable cloth face masks, one order per household.
The department hopes to give out two million cloth face masks.
Anyone with questions can visit the department's FAQs page or contact Hanes at 1-800-503-6698.
Arizona releases ZIP code locations of coronavirus cases, other data
The Arizona Department of Health Services has released expanded data points regarding coronavirus cases in the state.
The AZDHS website now features the location of confirmed cases in Arizona by zip code.
You can see the current ZIP code map here and can find yours by clicking around or searching for your ZIP code in the top right of the map.
More information on coronavirus cases from Wednesday
There have been 641,729 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 10,673 coronavirus-related deaths reported in Arizona.
That's an increase from the 636,100 confirmed cases and 10,482 coronavirus-related deaths reported on Tuesday.
There were 5,629 new cases reported on Wednesday, a decrease from the 8,559 new cases reported on Tuesday.
There were 191 new deaths reported on Wednesday, a decrease from the record-high 335 new deaths reported on Tuesday. Most of those reported deaths were from death certificate matching.
There were 11,424 cases reported on the collection date of Jan. 4, the day with the most collected diagnoses so far. The day with the second-most collected diagnoses so far was on Dec. 28, with 11,314 cases. That is subject to change.
Health officials said the day with the highest number of deaths was Dec. 17, when 122 people died. The day with the second-most deaths was Dec. 18, when 118 people died. That is subject to change.
In total, 17,391 new tests were reported on Wednesday, a decrease from the 18,617 new tests reported on Tuesday.
There have been a total of 3,532,752 PCR and Serology tests reported to the state as of Wednesday.
13.4% of those tests have been positive as of Wednesday, the same as Tuesday.
Here's a breakdown of the number of cases in each county:
- Maricopa: 397,208
- Pima: 85,256
- Pinal: 35,041
- Coconino: 13,192
- Navajo: 12,894
- Apache: 8,376
- Mohave: 16,080
- La Paz: 1,905
- Yuma: 31,789
- Graham: 4,202
- Cochise: 9,344
- Santa Cruz: 6,807
- Yavapai: 13,962
- Gila: 5,203
- Greenlee: 468
Click on the links below to find more information from each county's health department:
COVID-19 is believed to be primarily spread through coughs or sneezes.
It may be possible for the virus to spread by touching a surface or object with the virus and then a person touching their mouth, nose or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main method of spread, the CDC says.
You should consult your doctor if you traveled to an area currently affected by COVID-19 and feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
There is no vaccine for the coronavirus, so the best way to prevent COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases is to:
- Wear face coverings while in public.
- Practice social distancing while in public.
- 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. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
You can text FACTS to 602-444-1212 to receive more information on the coronavirus and to ask questions.
