Arizona Sees High COVID 19 Transmission Levels
Arizona Sees High COVID 19 Transmission Levels Public News ServiceView Full Coverage on Google News
Arizona is seeing some of the highest levels of COVID-19 transmission in the nation. It is the only state with ‘medium’ or ‘high’ levels present in every county, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports 9% of Arizona hospital beds are occupied by COVID patients.
Rachel Garcia, deputy assistant director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, said with the winter holiday season, it is important for everyone to be doing what they can to say safe.
“The CDC has recommended continuing to keep an eye on community levels, and the CDC has also recommended considering wearing a mask in indoor public spaces,” Garcia pointed out.
State figures show COVID cases had been rising since mid-September, but recently saw a small decrease.
Garcia note it is still too early to say if that will be a trend. More than 12,000 cases were reported the week of Thanksgiving. A month earlier, that number was just over 5,300. Garcia added COVID is not the only thing to be cautious about this winter.
“It’s important we keep an eye on COVID-19 community levels, as well as RSV and flu, which are circulating in our communities right now, this time of year,” Garcia stressed.
The CDC recommends flu shots for anyone over six months old. Parents are encouraged to talk with their child’s doctor if they have questions. The Department of Health Services recommends those who’ve been vaccinated for COVID keep their boosters up-to-date. And to minimize the risk of any airborne virus, they’re reminding Arizonans about the basics: hand-washing, covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, avoiding contact with anyone who’s ill, and staying home if you don’t feel well.
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