Three Arizona casinos have shut down again as a precaution just weeks after being allowed to reopen as the state's COVID-19 cases and ...
Three Arizona casinos have shut down again as a precaution just weeks after being allowed to reopen as the state's COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge to record highs.
The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Arizona spiked again on Friday, setting the third record in four days for daily high numbers of new cases.
The state Department of Health Services reported 3,246 additional coronavirus cases on Friday, increasing the statewide total to 46,689.
Arizona has also reported 1,312 deaths from COVID-19, including 41 reported on Friday.
The state's Republican Governor Doug Ducey has previously said the spike in new cases is down to an increase in testing but hospitalizations across Arizona are also surging.
The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Arizona spiked again on Friday, setting the third record in four days for daily high numbers of new cases. The state Department of Health Services reported 3,246 additional coronavirus cases on Friday
Hospitalizations - a metric not linked to increased testing - are also spiking and health data shows that 84 percent of ICU beds across the state are currently in use.
The state's hospitalizations have been hitting record daily highs all month.
The state has become a national COVID-19 hotspot since Gov. Ducey lifted stay-home orders last month.
Arizona was among the states that saw protests from residents demanding lockdown measures be lifted.
Casino operator Gila River Gaming revealed on Thursday it would be closing its doors temporarily as a precaution due to the current surge in cases.
Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte and Vee Quiva near Phoenix closed at 2am and will remain shut for the next two weeks.
'Like our sister tribes and businesses all over Arizona, we have tried to do what is best for all, while processing new information and new guidelines about the pandemic with little in the way of definitive guidance,' Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said.
ARIZONA DEATHS: Arizona has also reported 1,312 deaths from COVID-19, including 41 reported on Friday
ARIZONA HOSPITALIZATIONS: The number of patients being admitted to Arizona hospitals with COVID-19 or suspected of having the virus continues to increase
ARIZONA BED CAPACITY: Hospital bed capacity hit a record high in Arizona on Wednesday with 84 capacity of ICU beds
A security guard who worked at the Lone Butte died on June 11 after contracting coronavirus.
Arizona's casinos were allowed to reopen in mid-May when the state's stay-at-home orders expired.
A month after many governors reopened their economies, a growing number are adopting the CDC's guidance that masks are essential to prevent community spread.
Gov Ducey on Wednesday bowed to pressure and reversed himself by allowing local governments to mandate use of face masks in public to slow spread of the coronavirus.
Tucson and Flagstaff are among cities that have imposed mandates.
Phoenix City Council voted on Friday and agreed to make it compulsory for residents to wear masks if they can't social distance.
Former FDA chief Scott Gottlieb warned on Friday that Arizona should be concerned about the steep rise in cases.
'Arizona is entering period of steep growth in its Covid epidemic,' he tweeted.
'With population based mitigation seemingly off the table for now, it’ll face challenges controlling this.
'That they were still debating masks this week-a simple, effective, albeit limited tool-should raise concerns.'
Arizona's casinos were allowed to reopen in mid-May when the state's stay-at-home orders expired
Protesters rally at the Capitol to 're-open' Arizona against the governor's stay-at-home order in late April
Protesters carry automatic assault rifles as they march towards Arizona's state Capitol in late April to demand the state reopen amid COVID lockdowns
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