The number of coronavirus cases and deaths in Arizona continues to rise.
In an effort to track the changes, 12 News has started a daily live blog.
Here is the live blog for Friday, June 19.
Major updates:
- There are 46,689 people with confirmed cases of coronavirus in Arizona and 1,312 coronavirus-related deaths, as of Friday morning.
- The state does not record how many people have recovered.
- Gov. Doug Ducey allowed cities to set own mask requirements
- Scroll down to see how many cases are in each ZIP code and additional information.
COVID-19 cases reported in Arizona on Friday
There are 46,689 people with confirmed cases of coronavirus in Arizona and 1,312 coronavirus-related deaths as of Friday, according to the state's latest numbers.
That's up from 43,443 confirmed cases and 1,271 deaths reported as of Thursday.
The 3,246 cases reported Friday is the largest single-day increase since the pandemic began. The previous record of 2,519 was set on June 18.
Apple closing Arizona stores for virus concerns
Apple announced they are closing some stores in Arizona again due to rising COVID-19 spread.
The stores closing include: Chandler Fashion Center, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Arrowhead, SanTan Village, Scottsdale Quarter and La Encantada.
City of Phoenix passes mask ordinance
The City of Phoenix passed an ordinance to require people to wear masks in many public venues.
The ordinance requires people in the City of Phoenix to have a mask and wear it outside their home or residences when they are within six feet of another person who is not a member of their household.
There are some exceptions including while dining, children under 6 years old, those with religious exemptions, those with disabilities that prevent wearing a mask, and when it is not feasible or practical to wear a mask.
See the full list of cities here.
Record number of new cases reported
There were 3,246 new cases reported in Arizona Friday, bringing the total number of cases to 46,689 people that have or have previously had COVID-19.
One week ago there were 34,458 cases. Two weeks ago 25,451 cases were reported.
Valley Metro to require face masks
Starting July 1, Valley Metro will require all riders wear face masks while using the company's public transit services. These services include buses, light rail, paratransit, Dial-a-Ride and vanpools. This includes while being on-board vehicles and at stops, stations and transit centers.
The decision was made by the Valley Metro Boards of Directors during the company's June 18 meeting.
Previous record-high number of cases reported on Thursday
The Arizona Department of Health Services reported a the previous record-high number of new coronavirus cases on Thursday: 2,519.
That beat out the previous record high set just days earlier on Tuesday. That number was 2,392. And on Friday, the record was broken once again.
Cities can determine own mask policies, Ducey says
During a press conference on Wednesday, Gov. Doug Ducey announced Arizona cities will be allowed to determine face-covering policies on a city-by-city basis and how it will be enforced.
A face covering has proven to be effective at limiting the spread of COVID-19, according to the CDC. The virus is primarily spread by in-person contact through sneezes and coughs.
Ducey has always encouraged the use of masks in public but hasn't issued any official orders regarding it even as cases continue to soar across the state.
We made a list of cities that intend to enact a mask requirement.
New social distancing guidelines for restaurants
Ducey also added new guidelines for restaurants and other businesses that have reopened since the end of the state's stay-at-home order.
Some of the requirements include that restaurants and bars must maintain six feet between tables and clearly mark tables that are not in use.
You can read the full list of mandates on restaurants here and for all businesses here.
How to get tested for the coronavirus in Arizona
Are you looking to get tested for coronavirus in Arizona?
If you have reason to believe you have contracted coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, this is what you should do.
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.
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.
