HEALTH

Arizona COVID-19 updates: State adds 2,255 new cases, 3 new deaths

Arizona Republic

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,255 to a total of 1,102,422 on Sunday.

The state reported 3 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 20,137, according to data released by the state.

Arizona's seven-day death rate per 100,000 people ranked 17th among states and territories as of Sunday, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here's the latest:

Follow coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic by Republic and USA TODAY Network reporters here.

Noon Oct. 3: State adds 2,255 new cases, 3 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,255 to a total of 1,102,422 on Sunday. The state reported three new known deaths, bringing the death total to 20,137, according to data released by the state.

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,558 in Maricopa; 2,660 in Pima; 1,022 in Pinal; 936 in Mohave; 905 in Yuma; 645 in Yavapai; 598 in Navajo; 474 in Apache; 349 in Coconino; 330 in Cochise; 262 in Gila; 190 in Santa Cruz; 101 in Graham; 92 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 700,319 in Maricopa; 136,151 in Pima; 69,272 in Pinal; 40,807 in Yuma; 31,476 in Mohave; 26,387 in Yavapai; 21,564 in Coconino; 19,857 in Navajo; 14,494 in Cochise; 13,172 in Apache; 9,058 in Gila; 8,824 in Santa Cruz; 7,025 in Graham; 3,040 in La Paz and 976 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5, 11% for the week of Sept. 12, 12% for the week of Sept. 19, and 12% for the week of Sept. 26.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,730 on Saturday.

The state reported more than 4.2 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Friday, which represents about 58.6% of the total population.

However, 51.1% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Saturday, which is below the national rate of 55.9%, according to data from the CDC.

— Steven Hernandez

9 a.m. Oct. 2: State adds 2,942 new cases, 95 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,942 to a total of 1,100,167 on Saturday. The state reported 95 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 20,134, according to data released by the state.

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,551 in Maricopa; 2,660 in Pima; 1,022 in Pinal; 938 in Mohave; 905 in Yuma; 644 in Yavapai; 601 in Navajo; 474 in Apache; 349 in Coconino; 330 in Cochise; 262 in Gila; 190 in Santa Cruz; 101 in Graham; 92 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 698,680 in Maricopa; 135,911 in Pima; 69,232 in Pinal; 40,775 in Yuma; 31,445 in Mohave; 26,296 in Yavapai; 21,499 in Coconino; 19,844 in Navajo; 14,463 in Cochise; 13,151 in Apache; 9,032 in Gila; 8,823 in Santa Cruz; 7,010 in Graham; 3,036 in La Paz and 970 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5, 11% for the week of Sept. 12 and 12% for the week of Sept. 19. It’s 12% so far for the week of Sept. 26.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,798 on Friday.

The state reported more than 4.2 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Friday, which represents about 58.4% of the total population.

However, 51.1% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Friday, which is below the national rate of 55.7%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 60% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Friday, lower than the national rate of 65.1%.

— BrieAnna J. Frank

7 a.m. Oct. 1: Antiviral pill could cut risk of hospitalization in half

An experimental drug prevented half of COVID-19 infections that would otherwise have sent people to the hospital, according to a study released Friday, offering promise that the virus could soon be treated by a pill.

The antiviral drug molnupiravir, made by Merck & Co. and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics of Miami, was given to 385 people within five days of their diagnosis with COVID-19. Another 377 volunteers who tested positive were given a placebo. All participants had at least one risk factor for severe COVID-19.

Of the participants who received molnupiravir, 7.3% were hospitalized during the monthlong trial. In the placebo group, 14% were hospitalized and 8 of them died.

The study was supposed to enroll another 750 participants, but an independent monitoring board decided the drug was so effective it would be unethical to continue giving anyone a placebo.

Since early in the pandemic, public health officials have hoped for effective antivirals that could help prevent severe infection in people exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Several existing drugs were tested against the virus early on but shown to have no benefit for patients. Other types therapies authorized in the United States to treat COVID-19 require an IV or injection.

These findings about molnupiravir suggest it is even more effective against SARS-CoV-2 than Tamiflu, a commonly used antiviral, is against influenza, said Dr. Dean Y. Li, president of Merck Research Laboratories.

The company plans to apply for emergency use authorization as quickly as possible.

– Karen Weintraub, USA Today

10 a.m. Sept. 30: State adds 2,744 new cases, 25 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,744 to a total of 1,093,583 on Thursday. The state reported 25 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 19,984, according to data released by the state.

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,453 in Maricopa; 2,639 in Pima; 1,015 in Pinal; 931 in Mohave; 899 in Yuma; 644 in Yavapai; 600 in Navajo; 473 in Apache; 349 in Coconino; 328 in Cochise; 260 in Gila; 190 in Santa Cruz; 99 in Graham; 89 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 694,359 in Maricopa; 135,212 in Pima; 68,800 in Pinal; 40,664 in Yuma; 31,252 in Mohave; 26,114 in Yavapai; 21,350 in Coconino; 19,704 in Navajo; 14,287 in Cochise; 13,091 in Apache; 9,001 in Gila; 8,794 in Santa Cruz; 6,974 in Graham; 3,019 in La Paz and 962 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5, 11% for the week of Sept. 12 and 12% for the week of Sept. 19. It’s 13% so far for the week of Sept. 26.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,768 on Wednesday, about the fewest daily hospitalizations since August 17.

The state reported more than 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Thursday, which represents about 58.2% of the total population.

However, 51% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Wednesday, which is below the national rate of 55.5%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 59.9% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Wednesday, lower than the national rate of 65%.

— Alison Steinbach

3:20 p.m. Sept. 29: Banner Health forecasts a winter COVID-19 spike

Forecasting models used by the state's largest health system show another increase in COVID-19 cases this winter.

"That said, there are variables that are very much under our control within our communities to help make that either not happen or happen to a lesser degree. It's called vaccination," Dr. Marjorie Bessel, chief clinical officer for Phoenix-based Banner Health, said during a Wednesday afternoon briefing.

"If you're not yet vaccinated against COVID-19, we strongly urge you to do so as soon as possible."

Banner Health is readying for increased patients this winter not only due to COVID-19 but also influenza, and Bessel is urging Arizonans to get a flu shot in addition to a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everybody over the age of six months get vaccinated against the flu.

Bessel on Wednesday said there has been a "slight decline" in hospital admissions for people with confirmed and suspected COVID-19, but that the health system's total number of hospitalizations remains unreasonably high for this time of year.

"Approximately 90% of patients who are hospitalized in Banner with COVID are unvaccinated. Approximately 90% of patients who are hospitalized with COVID in our ICUs are unvaccinated," she said.  "It's clear from those statistics how efficacious the vaccines are."

— Stephanie Innes

10:30 a.m. Sept. 29: State adds 3,388 new cases, 39 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 3,388 to a total of 1,090,839 on Wednesday. The state reported 39 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 19,959, according to data released by the state.

The higher case count resulted from a “data-processing catch-up after a reporting problem over the weekend” that has been corrected, state health officials said. Because of that, Tuesday’s cases were lower, and Wednesday and Thursday’s case additions are higher. The death count was not affected, officials said.

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,435 in Maricopa; 2,637 in Pima; 1,015 in Pinal; 929 in Mohave; 899 in Yuma; 644 in Yavapai; 599 in Navajo; 471 in Apache; 349 in Coconino; 328 in Cochise; 260 in Gila; 190 in Santa Cruz; 99 in Graham; 89 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 692,629 in Maricopa; 134,906 in Pima; 68,584 in Pinal; 40,636 in Yuma; 31,131 in Mohave; 26,036 in Yavapai; 21,291 in Coconino; 19,648 in Navajo; 14,231 in Cochise; 13,087 in Apache; 8,984 in Gila; 8,774 in Santa Cruz; 6,952 in Graham; 3,003 in La Paz and 947 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5, 11% for the week of Sept. 12 and 12% for the week of Sept. 19. It’s 13% so far for the week of Sept. 26.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,767 on Tuesday, the fewest daily hospitalizations since August 17.

The state reported more than 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Wednesday, which represents about 58.1% of the total population.

However, 51% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Tuesday, which is below the national rate of 55.8%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 59.8% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Tuesday, lower than the national rate of 64.9%.

— Alison Steinbach

10:15 a.m. Sept. 28: Cases at Arizona universities mostly down from last week

COVID-19 cases at Arizona’s universities are on the whole lower than last week, although cases increased at Northern Arizona University.

The Arizona Republic monitors COVID-19 spread at the three public universities and private Grand Canyon University, adding updates weekly to the blog.

Arizona State University on Monday reported a total of 195 known positive cases among its student population of 77,063, compared with 200 cases the week prior and 276 two weeks ago.

Of the student cases, 172 were off-campus in metro Phoenix. Fourteen were isolating on the Tempe campus and nine were isolating on the downtown Phoenix, ASU West or Polytechnic campuses.

There were 31 current known cases among 21,522 faculty and staff. Last week there were 27 positives, compared with 28 two weeks ago.

Percent positivity for the weekly random testing program last week was about 2.9% for on-campus students, about 1.6% for off-campus students and 0% for employees.

ASU has reported 907 total positive cases since Aug. 1: 679 students and 228 employees. ASU has tested about 58% of students living on campus and about 21% of students living off-campus since Aug. 1.

At the University of Arizona, 99 students and employees tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, with a percent positivity of 1.7%, according to data posted Monday. Thirty-three were on-campus students, 63 were off-campus students and three were employees. That 10-day number last week was 161.

Test results from Monday returned five positives from 788 tests, for a percent positivity of 0.6%.

The university's seven-day average for new positive test results is 17 per day, a decrease from last week.

A total of 533 people have tested positive since Aug. 2 from 28,447 total tests, with an overall percent positivity of 1.9%. Of the 533 cases, 132 have been on-campus students, 328 have been off-campus students and 73 have been employees.

The university has tested a total of 4,966 individual on-campus students, 5,409 off-campus students and 3,360 employees since Aug. 1.

Northern Arizona University was managing 107 COVID-19 cases among on- and off-campus students as of Sept. 22. The week before that was at 53 cases.

The university did not post information about tests and cases among employees.

Testing locations run by NAU reported 217 positives among 3,436 total tests for the week of Sept. 12. That’s a positivity rate of 6.3%. Of those 217 cases, 101 are NAU-affiliated and 116 are not.

Grand Canyon University reported 167 active cases as of Sept. 26, down from 266 active cases the week before. Of those, 149 cases are students and 18 are employees. A total of 704 students and 64 employees have tested positive since Aug. 15. The university does not release the total number of tests administered or the positivity rate.

— Alison Steinbach

9:30 a.m. Sept. 28: State adds 1,123 new cases, 108 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by a relatively low 1,123, due to a data-processing issue, to a total of 1,087,451 on Tuesday. The state reported 108 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 19,920, according to data released by the state. 

The lower case count resulted from a reporting problem over the weekend that has been corrected, state health officials said. Tuesday’s cases are lower, and Wednesday and Thursday’s case additions will be higher. The death count was not affected, officials said.

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,418 in Maricopa; 2,633 in Pima; 1,012 in Pinal; 925 in Mohave; 897 in Yuma; 641 in Yavapai; 598 in Navajo; 471 in Apache; 347 in Coconino; 326 in Cochise; 260 in Gila; 190 in Santa Cruz; 99 in Graham; 88 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 690,451 in Maricopa; 134,558 in Pima; 68,366 in Pinal; 40,577 in Yuma; 31,040 in Mohave; 25,894 in Yavapai; 21,192 in Coconino; 19,582 in Navajo; 14,167 in Cochise; 13,041 in Apache; 8,951 in Gila; 8,769 in Santa Cruz; 6,949 in Graham; 2,973 in La Paz and 941 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5 and 11% for the week of Sept. 12. It was 12% for the week of Sept. 19.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,794 on Monday, the fewest daily hospitalizations since August 17.

The state reported more than 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Tuesday, which represents about 58% of the total population.

However, 50.9% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Monday, which is below the national rate of 55.4%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 59.7% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Monday, lower than the national rate of 64.8%.

— Alison Steinbach

10 a.m. Sept. 27: State adds 1,959 new cases, no new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 1,959 to a total of 1,086,328 on Monday. No new deaths were reported, which is common on Mondays, keeping the state’s death total at 19,812, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,371 in Maricopa; 2,614 in Pima; 1,003 in Pinal; 918 in Mohave; 890 in Yuma; 634 in Yavapai; 594 in Navajo; 469 in Apache; 345 in Coconino; 324 in Cochise; 259 in Gila; 191 in Santa Cruz; 99 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 689,931 in Maricopa; 134,506 in Pima; 67,998 in Pinal; 40,572 in Yuma; 30,958 in Mohave; 25,864 in Yavapai; 21,187 in Coconino; 19,557 in Navajo; 14,159 in Cochise; 13,039 in Apache; 8,950 in Gila; 8,767 in Santa Cruz; 6,947 in Graham; 2,966 in La Paz and 927 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5 and 11% for the week of Sept. 12. It was 12% for the week of Sept. 19.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,794 on Sunday, the fewest daily hospitalizations since Aug. 17.

The state reported more than 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Monday, which represents about 57.9% of the total population.

However, 50.9% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Sunday, which is below the national rate of 55.3%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 59.7% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Sunday, lower than the national rate of 64.7%.

— Alison Steinbach

11a.m. Sept. 26: State adds 2,579 new cases, 6 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,579 to a total of 1,084,369 on Sunday. The state reported six new known deaths, bringing the death total to 19,812, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,371 in Maricopa; 2,614 in Pima; 1,003 in Pinal; 918 in Mohave; 890 in Yuma; 634 in Yavapai; 594 in Navajo; 469 in Apache; 345 in Coconino; 324 in Cochise; 259 in Gila; 191 in Santa Cruz; 99 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 688,491 in Maricopa; 134,278 in Pima; 67,986 in Pinal; 40,536 in Yuma; 30,888 in Mohave; 25,801 in Yavapai; 21,169 in Coconino; 19,529 in Navajo; 14,129 in Cochise; 13,027 in Apache; 8,944 in Gila; 8,762 in Santa Cruz; 6,937 in Graham; 2,967 in La Paz and 925 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5 and 11% for the week of Sept. 12. It was 12% for the week of Sept. 19.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,797 on Saturday, the fewest daily hospitalizations since August 17.

The state reported more than 4.15 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Saturday, which represents about 57.8% of the total population.

— Steven Hernandez

9:30 a.m.: Sept. 25: COVID-19 outbreaks 3.5 times more likely in schools without mask mandates

Research on the effect of masks in public schools found schools in Maricopa and Pima counties without a mask mandate were 3.5 times more likely to have COVID-19 outbreaks than those that started the academic year requiring face coverings.

Ninety-two percent of schools with mask mandates in place when the school year started had no outbreaks during the nearly seven weeks of the study, according to a report published Friday.

Arizona State University researchers analyzed data from July 15 to Aug. 31 provided by Maricopa and Pima county public health departments. They also found that the earlier a district implemented a mask requirement, the less likely it was to have an outbreak.

An outbreak is defined as two or more confirmed COVID-19 cases at the same school within a 14-day period.

The report, published Friday in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s weekly report, drops at a crucial moment in the tension over masks in Arizona schools.

State legislation passed this summer prohibits districts from requiring face coverings, but a number of districts, citing the rise of the delta variant, put them in place anyway. In mid-August, a court ruling determined that the measure didn’t go into effect until Sept. 29, and additional districts started requiring masks.

9 a.m. Sept. 25: State adds 2,916 new cases, 69 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,916 to a total of 1,081,790 on Saturday. The state reported 69 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 19,806, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,366 in Maricopa; 2,614 in Pima; 1,003 in Pinal; 917 in Mohave; 890 in Yuma; 634 in Yavapai; 594 in Navajo; 469 in Apache; 345 in Coconino; 324 in Cochise; 259 in Gila; 191 in Santa Cruz; 99 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 686,516 in Maricopa; 134,104 in Pima; 67,911 in Pinal; 40,497 in Yuma; 30,836 in Mohave; 25,733 in Yavapai; 21,113 in Coconino; 19,496 in Navajo; 14,091 in Cochise; 13,015 in Apache; 8,923 in Gila; 8,753 in Santa Cruz; 6,921 in Graham; 2,961 in La Paz and 920 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5 and 11% for the week of Sept. 12. It’s at 12% so far for the week of Sept. 19.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,834 on Friday, slightly lower than last week.

The state reported more than 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Saturday, which represents about 57.7% of the total population.

However, 50.7% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Saturday, which is below the national rate of 55.1%, according to data from the CDC.

— BrieAnna J. Frank

12:40 p.m. Sept. 24: CDC endorses COVID-19 vaccine boosters for people 65 and older, high-risk patients

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention late Thursday endorsed booster shots for millions of older and high-risk Americans, opening a major new phase in the U.S vaccination drive against COVID-19.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed off on a series of recommendations from a panel of advisers hours after the advisers said boosters for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to people 65 and older, nursing home residents and those ages 50 to 64 who have risky underlying health problems. The extra dose would be given once they are at least six months past their last Pfizer shot.

But Walensky decided to make one recommendation that the panel had rejected.

The panel on Thursday voted against saying that people can get a booster if they are 18 to 64 years of age, are health care workers or have another job that puts them at increased risk of being exposed to the virus.

But Walensky disagreed and put that recommendation back in, noting that such a move aligns with an FDA booster authorization decision earlier this week.

People who have gotten two shots and decide not to get a third will still be considered fully vaccinated, the CDC said.

No one will need a doctor's note to walk into a pharmacy and request a third dose. They will just have to consider for themselves whether the benefit they will derive from a booster outweighs their personal risk. Several committee members said this will create problems with implementation and worried that it will add to the confusion many people feel about vaccines.

— Karen Weintraub and Elizabeth Weise/USA Today

12:15 p.m. Sept. 24: State adds 2,998 new cases, 10 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,998 to a total of 1,078,874 on Friday. The state reported 10 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 19,737, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,324 in Maricopa; 2,607 in Pima; 998 in Pinal; 915 in Mohave; 889 in Yuma; 631 in Yavapai; 594 in Navajo; 467 in Apache; 345 in Coconino; 321 in Cochise; 256 in Gila; 190 in Santa Cruz; 99 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 684,566 in Maricopa; 133,750 in Pima; 67,752 in Pinal; 40,456 in Yuma; 30,745 in Mohave; 25,651 in Yavapai; 21,061 in Coconino; 19,469 in Navajo; 14,037 in Cochise; 12,999 in Apache; 8,899 in Gila; 8,737 in Santa Cruz; 6,890 in Graham; 2,952 in La Paz and 910 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5 and 11% for the week of Sept. 12. It’s at 12% so far for the week of Sept. 19.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,826 on Thursday, slightly lower than last week.

The state reported more than 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Friday, which represents about 57.6% of the total population.

However, 50.7% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Friday, which is below the national rate of 55.1%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 59.4% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Friday, lower than the national rate of 64.5%.

— Alison Steinbach

10 a.m. Sept. 23: State adds 3,013 new cases, 69 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 3,013 to a total of 1,075,876 on Thursday. The state reported 69 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 19,727, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,321 in Maricopa; 2,606 in Pima; 998 in Pinal; 911 in Mohave; 889 in Yuma; 629 in Yavapai; 594 in Navajo; 467 in Apache; 345 in Coconino; 321 in Cochise; 256 in Gila; 190 in Santa Cruz; 99 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 682,553 in Maricopa; 133,375 in Pima; 67,587 in Pinal; 40,413 in Yuma; 30,677 in Mohave; 25,535 in Yavapai; 21,015 in Coconino; 19,440 in Navajo; 13,980 in Cochise; 12,981 in Apache; 8,888 in Gila; 8,723 in Santa Cruz; 6,872 in Graham; 2,939 in La Paz and 898 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5 and 11% for the week of Sept. 12. It’s at 12% so far for the week of Sept. 19.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,893 on Wednesday, slightly lower than last week.

The state reported more than 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Thursday, which represents about 57.5% of the total population.

However, 50.5% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Wednesday, which is below the national rate of 54.9%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 59.2% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Wednesday, lower than the national rate of 64.3%.

— Alison Steinbach

7 p.m. Sept. 22: FDA authorizes booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for some

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for people 65 and older and those whose jobs put them at high risk for exposure to COVID-19.

Individuals 18 and up who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 were also included in the authorization, which only covers those who are at least six months out from their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

High-risk jobs include "health care workers, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers and those in homeless shelters or prisons, among others,” said acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock. 

The decision comes almost six weeks after the FDA authorized extra doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for people who are severely immunocompromised.

— Elizabeth Weise and Karen Weintraub, USA Today

10:30 a.m. Sept. 22: State adds 2,106 new cases, 74 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,106 to a total of 1,072,863 on Wednesday. There were 74 new known deaths reported, bringing the death total to 19,658, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,278 in Maricopa; 2,602 in Pima; 992 in Pinal; 909 in Mohave; 888 in Yuma; 628 in Yavapai; 592 in Navajo; 464 in Apache; 345 in Coconino; 317 in Cochise; 254 in Gila; 190 in Santa Cruz; 98 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 680,491 in Maricopa; 133,119 in Pima; 67,387 in Pinal; 40,386 in Yuma; 30,534 in Mohave; 25,475 in Yavapai; 20,936 in Coconino; 19,386 in Navajo; 13,953 in Cochise; 12,955 in Apache; 8,855 in Gila; 8,712 in Santa Cruz; 6,857 in Graham; 2,930 in La Paz and 887 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5 and 11% for the week of Sept. 12. It’s at 12% so far for the week of Sept. 19.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,897 on Tuesday, slightly lower than last week.

The state reported more than 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Wednesday, which represents about 57.5% of the total population.

However, 50.4% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Tuesday, which is below the national rate of 54.8%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 59.2% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Tuesday, lower than the national rate of 64.1%.

— Alison Steinbach

2 p.m. Sept. 21: How many cases do Arizona universities have?

COVID-19 cases at Arizona’s three public universities remained relatively stable last week, with cases rising more quickly at Grand Canyon University. 

The Arizona Republic monitors COVID-19 spread at the three public universities and private GCU, adding updates weekly to the blog.

Arizona State University on Monday reported a total of 200 known positive cases among its student population of 77,063, compared with 276 cases the week prior and 283 two weeks ago.

Of the student cases, 170 were off-campus in metro Phoenix. Nineteen were isolating on the Tempe campus and 11 were isolating on the downtown Phoenix, ASU West or Polytechnic campuses.

There were 27 current known cases among 21,522 faculty and staff. Last week there were 28 positives, compared with 29 two weeks ago.

Percent positivity for the weekly random testing program last week was about 0.9% for on-campus students, about 1.2% for off-campus students and about 0.6% for employees.

ASU has reported 784 total positive cases since Aug. 1: 584 students and 200 employees. ASU has tested about 51% of students living on campus and about 18% of students living off-campus since Aug. 1.

At the University of Arizona, 161 students and employees tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, with a percent positivity of 2.2%, according to data posted Monday. Forty-eight were on-campus students, 103 were off-campus students and 10 were employees.

Test results from Monday returned 29 positives from 993 tests, for a percent positivity of 2.9%.

The university's seven-day average for new positive test results is 28 per day.

A total of 463 people have tested positive since Aug. 2 from 23,557 total tests, with an overall percent positivity of 2%. Of the 463 cases, 107 have been on-campus students, 284 have been off-campus students and 72 have been employees.

The university has tested a total of 4,618 individual on-campus students, 4,854 off-campus students and 3,130 employees since Aug. 1.

Northern Arizona University was managing 53 COVID-19 cases among on- and off-campus students as of Sept. 15.

The university did not post information about tests and cases among employees.

Testing locations run by NAU reported 172 positives among 3,134 total tests for the week of Sept. 5. That’s a positivity rate of 5.5%. Of those 172 cases, 50 are NAU-affiliated and 122 are not.

Grand Canyon University reported 266 active cases as of Sept. 19, up from 96 active cases the week before. Of those, 248 cases are students and 18 are employees. A total of 481 students and 46 employees have tested positive since Aug. 15. The university does not release the total number of tests administered or the positivity rate.

— Alison Steinbach

9:45 a.m. Sept. 21: State adds 1,934 new cases, 71 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 1,934 to a total of 1,070,757 on Tuesday. The state reported 71 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 19,584, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,254 in Maricopa; 2,589 in Pima; 982 in Pinal; 903 in Mohave; 885 in Yuma; 617 in Yavapai; 588 in Navajo; 463 in Apache; 346 in Coconino; 316 in Cochise; 252 in Gila; 190 in Santa Cruz; 98 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 679,482 in Maricopa; 132,958 in Pima; 66,954 in Pinal; 40,347 in Yuma; 30,429 in Mohave; 25,359 in Yavapai; 20,896 in Coconino; 19,343 in Navajo; 13,896 in Cochise; 12,929 in Apache; 8,826 in Gila; 8,700 in Santa Cruz; 6,843 in Graham; 2,922 in La Paz and 873 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5 and 11% for the week of Sept. 12.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,933 on Monday, slightly lower than last week.

The state reported more than 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Tuesday, which represents about 57.4% of the total population.

However, 50.4% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Monday, which is below the national rate of 54.7%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 59.1% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Monday, lower than the national rate of 64%.

— Alison Steinbach

9:30 a.m. Sept. 20: State adds 2,020 new cases, no new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,020 to a total of 1,068,823 on Monday. No new deaths were reported, which is common on Mondays, keeping the state’s death total at 19,513, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,223 in Maricopa; 2,570 in Pima; 979 in Pinal; 899 in Mohave; 881 in Yuma; 615 in Yavapai; 588 in Navajo; 462 in Apache; 345 in Coconino; 314 in Cochise; 251 in Gila; 188 in Santa Cruz; 97 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 678,421 in Maricopa; 132,789 in Pima; 66,567 in Pinal; 40,327 in Yuma; 30,339 in Mohave; 25,299 in Yavapai; 20,847 in Coconino; 19,314 in Navajo; 13,876 in Cochise; 12,924 in Apache; 8,821 in Gila; 8,690 in Santa Cruz; 6,829 in Graham; 2,912 in La Paz and 868 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5 and 11% for the week of Sept. 12.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,894 on Sunday, slightly lower than previous days.

The state reported more than 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Monday, which represents about 57.4% of the total population.

However, 50.3% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Sunday, which is below the national rate of 54.6%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 59% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Sunday, lower than the national rate of 63.9%.

— Alison Steinbach

7 a.m. Sept. 20: Pfizer-BioNTech say low dose of its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for kids 5-11

Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children ages 5 to 11 at one-third the dose used in adolescents and adults, according to a new study from the companies.

Many parents have been eagerly awaiting a vaccine for children, who have returned to school amidst a national wave of COVID-19 cases. Cases of COVID-19 in children have jumped about 240% since July.

Children are less likely to become severely ill from COVID-19 than adults, but they can catch and pass on the virus and occasionally suffer serious disease and long-term consequences.

The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will need to sign off on the vaccine before it becomes available to children, but government officials have promised to quickly review the data.

Authorization is likely to come within "a matter of weeks not months," the FDA's Dr. Peter Marks told USA TODAY recently. 

— Karen Weintraub

9:30 a.m. Sunday: State adds 2,457 new cases, 26 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,457 to a total of 1,066,803 on Sunday. The state reported 26 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 19,513, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,224 in Maricopa; 2,570 in Pima; 979 in Pinal; 899 in Mohave; 881 in Yuma; 615 in Yavapai; 588 in Navajo; 462 in Apache; 345 in Coconino; 313 in Cochise; 251 in Gila; 188 in Santa Cruz; 97 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 676,985 in Maricopa; 132,550 in Pima; 66,564 in Pinal; 40,306 in Yuma; 30,264 in Mohave; 25,243 in Yavapai; 20,789 in Coconino; 19,272 in Navajo; 13,851 in Cochise; 12,908 in Apache; 8,804 in Gila; 8,684 in Santa Cruz; 6,810 in Graham; 2,909 in La Paz and 864 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29, 12% for the week of Sept. 5, and 11% for the week of Sept. 12.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,922 on Saturday.

The state reported about 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Saturday, which represents about 57.3% of the total population.

— Steven Hernandez

9 a.m. Saturday: State adds 2,742 new cases, 108 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,742 to a total of 1,064,346 on Saturday. The state reported 108 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 19,487, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,198 in Maricopa; 2,570 in Pima; 979 in Pinal; 899 in Mohave; 881 in Yuma; 615 in Yavapai; 588 in Navajo; 462 in Apache; 345 in Coconino; 313 in Cochise; 251 in Gila; 188 in Santa Cruz; 97 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 675,252 in Maricopa; 132,229 in Pima; 66,510 in Pinal; 40,249 in Yuma; 30,223 in Mohave; 25,183 in Yavapai; 20,744 in Coconino; 19,222 in Navajo; 13,830 in Cochise; 12,890 in Apache; 8,780 in Gila; 8,679 in Santa Cruz; 6,795 in Graham; 2,900 in La Paz and 860 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29 and 12% for the week of Sept. 5. It’s at 11% so far for the week of Sept. 12.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 1,981 on Friday.

The state reported about 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Saturday, which represents about 57.2% of the total population.

However, about 50.6% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Saturday, which is below the national rate of 54.4%, according to data from the CDC.

— BrieAnna J. Frank 

4 p.m. Friday: COVID-19 patient transfers taking longer due to limited hospital beds

The average placement time for COVID-19 patient transfers in Arizona has nearly doubled to more than four hours due to limited hospital bed availability, state health officials said Friday.

To date in September the average time to place a patient through the ArSurge Line is 274 minutes, or almost 4.6 hours, state officials said. In August, the average transfer placement time was 140 minutes, or 2.3 hours.

The placement time data does not include placements for patients needing a high-level treatment called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, also called ECMO, state officials said.

The Arizona Surge Line, which started in April 2020, is operated by the state 24/7. It aims to evenly distribute patients to hospitals across the state so that no single facility is overwhelmed and to ensure that equipment such as ventilators and intensive care beds are available. 

Hospitals typically call the line when they have COVID-19 patients who need care elsewhere, usually because the hospital doesn't have enough beds or staff to care for them. Sometimes, the patients need a higher level of care than the transferring hospital can offer.

"The Arizona Surge Line continues to be able to transfer COVID-19 patients, though it often is taking longer with bed availability increasingly limited across the state as hospitals face staffing challenges," Arizona Department of Health Services spokesman Steve Elliott wrote in an email Friday afternoon.

Patients with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 currently occupy about one-third of all ICU beds in the state, and 23% of all inpatient hospital beds, state data shows.

"The state is working to help hospitals augment staffing so more beds can be made available," Elliott wrote.

 -Stephanie Innes

10 a.m. Friday: State adds 2,830 new cases, 19 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,830 to a total of 1,061,604 on Friday. The state reported 19 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 19,379, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,126 in Maricopa; 2,562 in Pima; 974 in Pinal; 885 in Mohave; 878 in Yuma; 615 in Yavapai; 585 in Navajo; 459 in Apache; 345 in Coconino; 313 in Cochise; 251 in Gila; 188 in Santa Cruz; 97 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 15 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 673,511 in Maricopa; 131,978 in Pima; 66,311 in Pinal; 40,203 in Yuma; 30,101 in Mohave; 25,108 in Yavapai; 20,694 in Coconino; 19,170 in Navajo; 13,763 in Cochise; 12,870 in Apache; 8,755 in Gila; 8,653 in Santa Cruz; 6,753 in Graham; 2,877 in La Paz and 857 in Greenlee

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29 and 12% for the week of Sept. 5. It’s at 11% so far for the week of Sept. 12.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 2,034 on Thursday, remaining about the highest it’s been since mid-February.

The state reported about 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Friday, which represents about 57.1% of the total population.

However, about 50% of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Thursday, which is below the national rate of 54.2%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 58.6% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Thursday, lower than the national rate of 63.5%.

— Alison Steinbach

7:15 a.m. Friday: FDA committee to decide on boosters

A federal advisory committee will decide Friday whether third shots of COVID-19 vaccines are safe and protective against infections.

At root is whether the extra shots are "luxuries" or an essential part of providing complete protection against the virus, presidential adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci said this week. 

He and other federal officials, including President Joe Biden, believe it is time to begin offering third shots to compensate for what appears to be fading protection. The government has agreements to purchase the doses and provide them at no cost to consumers.

Others, particularly the director general of the World Health Organization, argue that Americans would benefit far more by getting initial shots to the unvaccinated around the world.  

The Food and Drug Administration advisory committee will consider information from Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech in deciding whether to allow the companies to provide third vaccine doses to people 16 and older.  

 —  Karen Weintraub and Elizabeth Weise, USA Today

9:15 a.m. Thursday: State adds 2,855 new cases, 27 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,855 to a total of 1,058,774 on Thursday. The state reported 27 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 19,360, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,110 in Maricopa; 2,562 in Pima; 974 in Pinal; 884 in Mohave; 878 in Yuma; 615 in Yavapai; 585 in Navajo; 459 in Apache; 345 in Coconino; 312 in Cochise; 251 in Gila; 188 in Santa Cruz; 97 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 14 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 671,558 in Maricopa; 131,742 in Pima; 66,134 in Pinal; 40,148 in Yuma; 30,015 in Mohave; 25,014 in Yavapai; 20,662 in Coconino; 19,128 in Navajo; 13,718 in Cochise; 12,852 in Apache; 8,711 in Gila; 8,642 in Santa Cruz; 6,728 in Graham; 2,871 in La Paz and 850 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29 and 12% for the week of Sept. 5. It’s at 11% so far for the week of Sept. 12.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 2,050 on Wednesday, remaining about the highest it’s been since mid-February.

The state reported about 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Thursday, which represents about 57.1% of the total population.

However, about half of all Arizonans — 49.9% — had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Wednesday, which is below the national rate of 54.1%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 58.5% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Wednesday, lower than the national rate of 63.3%.

— Alison Steinbach

1:40 p.m. Wednesday: Tracking COVID-19 cases at Arizona universities

COVID-19 case counts at Arizona’s universities are rising, but so far relatively slowly. Arizona campuses are back to normal with full classrooms and dorms, and vaccinations are not required.

The Arizona Republic monitors COVID-19 spread at the three public universities and private Grand Canyon University, adding updates weekly.

Arizona State University on Monday reported a total of 276 known positive cases among its student population of 77,063, compared to 283 cases the week prior and 271 two weeks ago.

Of the student cases, 235 are off-campus in metro Phoenix. Thirty-five were isolating on the Tempe campus and six were isolating on the downtown Phoenix, ASU West or Polytechnic campuses.

There were 28 current known cases among 21,522 faculty and staff. Last week there were 29 positives, compared to 35 two weeks ago.

Percent positivity for the weekly random testing program last week was about 2.5% for on-campus students, about 1% for off-campus students and about 0.7% for employees.

ASU has reported 677 total positive cases since Aug. 1: 501 students and 176 employees. ASU has tested about 42% of students living on campus and about 14% of students living off-campus since Aug. 1. 

At the University of Arizona, 151 students and employees tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, with a percent positivity of 2%, according to data posted Tuesday. Forty-two were on-campus students, 95 were off-campus students and 14 were employees.

Test results from Tuesday returned 33 positives from 1,454 tests, for a percent positivity of 2.3%.

The university's seven-day average for new positive test results is 25 per day.

A total of 352 people have tested positive since Aug. 2 from 18,776 total tests, with an overall percent positivity of 1.9%. Of the 352 cases, 72 have been on-campus students, 214 have been off-campus students and 66 have been employees.

The university has tested a total of 3,991 individual on-campus students, 4,218 off-campus students and 2,901 employees since Aug. 1.

Northern Arizona University was managing 58 COVID-19 cases among on- and off-campus students as of Sept. 8.

The university did not post information about tests and cases among employees.

Testing locations run by NAU reported 216 positives among 3,196 total tests for the week of Aug. 29. That’s a positivity rate of 6.8%. Of those 216 cases, 57 are NAU-affiliated and 159 are not.

Grand Canyon University reported 96 active cases as of Sept. 12, up from 16 active cases the week before. Ninety cases are students and six are employees. A total of 151 students and 25 employees have tested positive since Aug. 15. The university does not release the total number of tests administered or the positivity rate.

— Alison Steinbach

11 a.m. Wednesday: Getting more people vaccinated will help Arizona's economy, Dr. Carmona says

Former U.S. Surgeon General and current Arizona COVID-19 adviser Dr. Richard Carmona says he's working with Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey to change the narrative around the virus.

Not enough residents of the state have been vaccinated. For that reason, the state's economic health is in peril, he wrote in a blog post Wednesday.

Arizona, which has the nation's seventh-highest overall COVID-19 death rate, wrote that COVID-19 is threatening Arizona's economic health.

"Businesses large and small, an untold number of jobs, and the economic expansion that has always propelled Arizona and America forward are at risk," Carmona wrote.

"Not enough of us have been vaccinated. A little more than half of our state and nation have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. We’ve made tremendous progress since the vaccine first became available. We’ve got to do more."

Arizona's COVID-19 vaccine uptake is lower than the national rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that as of Tuesday, 58.4% of eligible Arizonans ages 12 and older were fully vaccinated. The national rate for that same age group is 63.2%, the CDC data says.

"Getting where we need to be will require separating politics from public health," Carmona wrote.

"We can’t let strident arguments about mandating or not mandating masks and vaccines distract from the real problem: The fastest way to ensure we get COVID-19 out of circulation, support our businesses, relieve the strain on our healthcare system, and keep our children safely in school is by getting vaccinated."

— Stephanie Innes

9:15 a.m. Wednesday: State adds 2,432 new cases, 29 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,432 to a total of 1,055,919 on Wednesday. The state reported 29 new known deaths, bringing the death total to 19,333, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,085 in Maricopa; 2,561 in Pima; 974 in Pinal; 884 in Mohave; 878 in Yuma; 614 in Yavapai; 585 in Navajo; 459 in Apache; 345 in Coconino; 312 in Cochise; 251 in Gila; 188 in Santa Cruz; 97 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 14 in Greenlee. 

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 669,874 in Maricopa; 131,385 in Pima; 65,941 in Pinal; 40,094 in Yuma; 29,867 in Mohave; 24,910 in Yavapai; 20,593 in Coconino; 19,093 in Navajo; 13,648 in Cochise; 12,823 in Apache; 8,678 in Gila; 8,644 in Santa Cruz; 6,682 in Graham; 2,842 in La Paz and 845 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22, 11% for the week of Aug. 29 and 12% for the week of Sept. 5. It’s at 12% so far for the week of Sept. 12.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 2,077 on Tuesday, remaining about the highest it’s been since mid-February.

The state reported about 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Wednesday, which represents about 57% of the total population.

However, about half of all Arizonans — 49.8% — had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Tuesday, which is below the national rate of 54%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 58.4% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Tuesday, lower than the national rate of 63.2%.

— Alison Steinbach

6:30 a.m. Wednesday: 1 of every 500 Americans has died from the coronavirus

The United States reached another pandemic milestone on Tuesday: One of every 500 Americans has died of COVID-19, Johns Hopkins University data shows.

With the 662,899th death, America reported a toll equal to 0.2% of the population, based on the number of people who answered the 2020 census that was conducted near the beginning of the pandemic.

Half of those deaths have happened since just before Christmas 2020. 

The country reached this point as hospitalizations have surged due to the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus. The surge has caused shortages in health care facilities not seen since the winter peak of COVID, before vaccines were widely available in the U.S.

The delta variant has added what could potentially be months of increase in cases, hospitalizations and deaths to what appeared to be a waning pandemic earlier in the summer, particularly as children — ineligible for vaccines under age 12 — return to in-person learning.

As of last week, the U.S. has also recorded more COVID cases in 2021 than in the previous year. In the last 28 days, the country has recorded 4.3 million new cases and more than 39,000 deaths.

— Christal Hayes andJohn Bacon, USA Today

9:15 a.m. Tuesday: State adds 2,609 new cases, 117 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,609 to a total of 1,053,487 on Tuesday. The state reported 117 new known deaths, One-hundred-seventeen new known deaths were reported, bringing the death total to 19,304, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,075 in Maricopa; 2,560 in Pima; 971 in Pinal; 878 in Mohave; 877 in Yuma; 607 in Yavapai; 585 in Navajo; 459 in Apache; 345 in Coconino; 311 in Cochise; 251 in Gila; 188 in Santa Cruz; 97 in Graham; 86 in La Paz and 14 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 668,223 in Maricopa; 131,183 in Pima; 65,790 in Pinal; 40,065 in Yuma; 29,757 in Mohave; 24,832 in Yavapai; 20,565 in Coconino; 19,053 in Navajo; 13,615 in Cochise; 12,809 in Apache; 8,645 in Gila; 8,643 in Santa Cruz; 6,658 in Graham; 2,816 in La Paz and 833 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22 and 12% for the week of Aug. 29. Percent positivity was 12% for the week of Sept. 5.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 2,090 on Monday, nearly the highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a day since Feb. 14.

The state reported nearly 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Tuesday, which represents about 56.9% of the total population.

However, about half of all Arizonans — 49.8% — had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Monday, which is below the national rate of 53.9%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 58.4% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Monday, lower than the national rate of 63.1%.

— Alison Steinbach

7:30 a.m. Tuesday: Cases among kids have 'increased exponentially'

The number of children across the country who were infected with COVID-19 declined this week but is still at staggering levels: A more than 2,700% increase since the end of June.

The American Academy of Pediatrics released new data Monday showing the number of cases among children has "increased exponentially" in recent weeks.

The data shows more than 243,000 children were infected last week, a decline from the week before when nearly 252,000 cases were reported but still the "second highest number of child cases in a week since the pandemic began." 

It's a huge jump compared with the 8,447 cases reported at the end of June or the 12,100 at the start of July, data from the AAP shows. 

The startling jump comes as more schools return to in-person learning and as tensions grow over mandates on vaccinations and masks across the country.

— Christal Hayes and John Bacon, USA Today

9:15 a.m. Monday: State adds 2,278 new cases, no new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,278 to a total of 1,050,878 on Monday. No new deaths were reported, which is common on Mondays, keeping the state’s death total at 19,187, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,016 in Maricopa; 2,541 in Pima; 961 in Pinal; 874 in Mohave; 871 in Yuma; 603 in Yavapai; 580 in Navajo; 457 in Apache; 342 in Coconino; 308 in Cochise; 250 in Gila; 188 in Santa Cruz; 97 in Graham; 85 in La Paz and 14 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 666,798 in Maricopa; 130,914 in Pima; 65,274 in Pinal; 40,039 in Yuma; 29,655 in Mohave; 24,746 in Yavapai; 20,514 in Coconino; 19,020 in Navajo; 13,591 in Cochise; 12,793 in Apache; 8,626 in Santa Cruz; 8,626 in Gila; 6,647 in Graham; 2,809 in La Paz and 826 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 10% for the week of Aug. 22 and 12% for the week of Aug. 29. Percent positivity was 12% for the week of Sept. 5.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 2,094 on Sunday, nearly the highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a day since Feb. 14.

The state reported nearly 4.1 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Monday, which represents about 56.9% of the total population.

However, about half of all Arizonans — 49.7% — had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Sunday, which is below the national rate of 53.8%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 58.2% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Sunday, lower than the national rate of 63%.

— Alison Steinbach

Noon Sunday: State adds 2,765 new cases, 4 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,765 to a total of 1,048,600 on Sunday. Four new deaths were reported, bringing the state’s death total to 19,187, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,016 in Maricopa; 2,541 in Pima; 961 in Pinal; 871 in Yuma; 874 in Mohave, 603 in Yavapai; 580 in Navajo; 457 in Apache; 342 in Coconino; 308 in Cochise; 250 in Gila; 188 in Santa Cruz; 97 in Graham; 85 in La Paz and 14 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 665,118 in Maricopa; 130,673 in Pima; 65,273 in Pinal; 39,998 in Yuma; 29,552 in Mohave; 24,687 in Yavapai; 20,463 in Coconino; 18,992 in Navajo; 13,563 in Cochise; 12,780 in Apache; 8,621 in Santa Cruz; 8,616 in Gila; 6,639 in Graham; 2,804 in La Paz and 821 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 11% for the week of Aug. 22 and 12% for the week of Aug. 29. For the week of Sept. 5 it was 12% positive.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was 2,103 on Sunday, the highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a day since Feb. 14.

The state reported more than 4 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Sunday, which represents about 56.8% of the total population.

— Steven Hernandez

9 a.m. Sunday: Biden calls for rapid COVID-19 tests to be sold 'at cost'

Consumers could soon get discounted coronavirus tests at Amazon, Kroger and Walmart as part of President Joe Biden's plan to significantly increase testing.

The Biden administration said those three major retailers over the next three months will sell rapid, over-the-counter tests "at cost," a discount of up to 35% from retail prices.

Biden's strategy calls for spending nearly $2 billion to procure 280 million rapid tests for long-term care facilities, community testing sites, homeless shelters, prisons and other vulnerable populations. Another 25 million free at-home rapid tests would be sent to community health centers and food banks. 

Companies say federal support to expand testing options is needed as the delta variant drives demand higher and manufacturers scramble to keep pace. 

— Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY

2 p.m. Saturday: Unvaccinated are 11 times more likely to die of COVID-19, CDC studies show

New studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published Friday show that unvaccinated people are 11 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than vaccinated people.

Even among the delta variant, one study found that the unvaccinated were 4.5 times more likely to get infected, 10 times more likely to be hospitalized and 11 times more likely to die. The study was conducted across 13 states and included data from over 600,000 COVID cases since April.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said Friday that over 90% of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are unvaccinated at this point, and there are 10 times the number of unvaccinated people in the hospital for COVID-19 than vaccinated people.

Two other studies showed further evidence that vaccine effectiveness is waning over time, particularly for elderly adults. The data supports experts' recommendations that most Americans receive booster shots for mRNA vaccines, which are expected to become available beginning Sept. 20 for many who were fully vaccinated at least eight months prior.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY

10:45 a.m. Saturday: State adds 3,355 new cases, 36 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 3,355 to a total of 1,045,835 on Friday. Thirty-six new deaths were reported, bringing the state’s death total to 19,183, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 11,013 in Maricopa; 2,540 in Pima; 961 in Pinal; 871 in Yuma; 875 in Mohave, 603 in Yavapai; 580 in Navajo; 457 in Apache; 342 in Coconino; 307 in Cochise; 250 in Gila; 188 in Santa Cruz; 97 in Graham; 85 in La Paz and 14 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 663,073 in Maricopa; 130,405 in Pima; 65,227 in Pinal; 39,933 in Yuma; 29,546 in Mohave; 24,609 in Yavapai; 20,398 in Coconino; 18,964 in Navajo; 13,504 in Cochise; 12,760 in Apache; 8,614 in Santa Cruz; 8,587 in Gila; 6,610 in Graham; 2,797 in La Paz and 808 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July to hit 14% the last week. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 11% for the week of Aug. 22 and 12% for the week of Aug. 29. It’s at 12% so far for the week of Sept. 5.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was at 2,085 on Friday. The highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a day in Arizona was 5,082 on Jan. 11.

The state reported more than 4 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Saturday, which represents about 56.7% of the total population.

Half of all Arizonans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Saturday, which is below the national rate of 53.6%, according to data from the CDC.

— BrieAnna J. Frank

2 p.m. Friday: Biden vaccine plan for employers raises longstanding legal questions

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden's announcement this week that the federal government will order COVID-19 vaccines for large employers has renewed interest in the legal case for mandates as well as a 116-year-old Supreme Court decision that supporters say settles the question of whether such requirements are constitutional.

Legal experts say the new policies will be challenged in court almost immediately – Republican officials have already vowed to sue over the requirements – and that those disputes will quickly wind up at the Supreme Court, raising thorny questions about the federal government's power to mandate a response to a public health crisis. 

Throughout the pandemic, public health experts have frequently pointed to the Supreme Court's 1905 decision in Jacobson v. Massachusetts to justify state vaccine mandates. But experts say that case is unlikely to have much influence over the legal challenges raised to the new Biden administration policy. 

Henning Jacobson, a pastor from Cambridge, Mass., refused a smallpox vaccination during an outbreak of the disease in 1905, citing bad reactions he had to shots in the past. He was fined $5 – about $150 today. He sued, claiming that the state’s vaccine mandate violated his 14th Amendment rights. But the Supreme Court turned back his challenge, asserting that "a community has the right to protect itself against an epidemic of disease which threatens the safety of its members." 

A 7-2 majority of the court ruled that Massachusetts was permitted to require smallpox vaccinations. But even before Biden's announcement, some experts had questioned the relevance of the decision to the way the high court reviews such matters today. 

In a series of decisions earlier in the pandemic, the Supreme Court signaled Jacobson was far from sacrosanct and in particular didn't have much reach when it comes to government regulations that affect the First Amendment right to practice religion.

— John Fritze

11 a.m. Friday: Phoenix Union district announces vaccination incentives

The Phoenix Union High School District announced on Friday that it will offer financial incentives to students and staff to get vaccinated by Oct. 11.

The district was the first in Arizona to implement a mask mandate in defiance of state legislation prohibiting district-level masking rules and has hosted vaccination sites on its campuses this year as well.

Under the “Vax to the Max” measure, fully vaccinated students are eligible for $100 gift cards, while staff can receive $200 when they provide a copy of their vaccine card. The goal, the district said in a news release, is for 85% of staff and students to be vaccinated.

“Vaccines remain our greatest opportunity to ensure uninterrupted in-person learning this year,” Superintendent Chad Gestson said in the release. “Slowing the spread and ending this pandemic will take a collective effort and commitment to not just personal health but public health.”

— Yana Kunichoff

1:30 p.m. Thursday: State adds 2,480 new cases, 62 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,480 to a total of 1,039,492 on Thursday. Sixty-two new deaths were reported, bringing the state’s death total to 19,141, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 10,992 in Maricopa; 2,535 in Pima; 957 in Pinal; 870 in Yuma; 868 in Mohave, 602 in Yavapai; 580 in Navajo; 456 in Apache; 342 in Coconino; 307 in Cochise; 250 in Gila; 187 in Santa Cruz; 96 in Graham; 85 in La Paz and 14 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 659,003 in Maricopa; 129,788 in Pima; 64,759 in Pinal; 39,791 in Yuma; 29,297 in Mohave; 24,392 in Yavapai; 20,259 in Coconino; 18,901 in Navajo; 13,415 in Cochise; 12,720 in Apache; 8,579 in Santa Cruz; 8,494 in Gila; 6,533 in Graham; 2,772 in La Paz and 789 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July to hit 14% the last week. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 11% for the week of Aug. 22 and 12% for the week of Aug. 29. It’s at 13% so far for the week of Sept. 5.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was at 2,061 on Thursday. The highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a day in Arizona was 5,082 on Jan. 11.

The state reported more than 4 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Thursday, which represents about 56.5% of the total population.

However, less than half of all Arizonans — 49.8% — had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Thursday, which is below the national rate of 53.4%, according to data from the CDC.

— BrieAnna J. Frank

12:30 Thursday: Tempe increases vaccination rate, but falls short of 75% goal

A three-week push in Tempe saw hundreds of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered to residents, but the city fell short of its goal: 75% of eligible residents with at least one dose by Labor Day.

Some 59.4% of eligible Tempe residents had received one dose and 53.8% were fully vaccinated, according to data released Wednesday by the Maricopa County Public Health Department.

That was up from 57.4% of eligible residents with one dose and 51.7% fully vaccinated on Aug. 11, a few days before the vaccine push kicked off Aug. 17.

The department defines eligible population as those ages 10 and older, although vaccines are only available to people 12 and older.

Deputy City Manager Rosa Inchausti said that although Tempe didn’t reach its goal, the effort helped reach people in marginalized communities. She spent time at the events talking to Spanish-speaking and refugee families who were resistant to getting the vaccine and addressed rumors that helped them overcome their hesitancy, she said.  

She believes the Pfizer vaccine getting FDA approval also helped encourage people to get the shot, she said.

Tempe and its partners administered 378 doses at 10 events in city parks, churches, local nonprofits and schools, according to the city.

The clinics were part of a campaign to get more residents, particularly young people ages 15 to 24, Latinos and residents in the 85281 ZIP code, vaccinated. Many of the clinics were held after work or on weekends and in neighborhood gathering spots to make it easier for people.

The city also upped its education efforts. They shared information in English and Spanish and Fire Department officials held a virtual Vaccine 411 event to answer questions, dispel myths and help people overcome vaccine hesitancy.

Tempe has five more free vaccine events scheduled through the end of the month, starting with a clinic 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 14 at Jaycee Park. More information about the events can be found on the city’s website.

Officials also will be administering rapid COVID-19 antigen tests at the events, which city staffers hope will provide an opportunity to talk to residents about the vaccine as they wait for their results. The city administered 184 antigen tests during the three-week push.

— Paulina Pineda

11 a.m. Thursday: Biden mandates vaccines for federal executive branch workers

President Joe Biden on Thursday signed an executive order requiring most federal workers and contractors to be vaccinated, a tightening of the previous policy announced in July that encouraged – but didn’t mandate – vaccinations for many federal workers.

The executive order affects employees working for the executive branch, about 90% of the federal workforce. The change will be one of the new steps to take control of the pandemic that Biden is set to announce Thursday afternoon, a source familiar with the plans told USA TODAY. 

Some federal health workers, including those who work for the Veterans Department, must already get vaccinated. Members of the U.S. military are also required to have a dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

But other civilian federal employees and contractors have only had to reveal their vaccination status and, if not inoculated, get tested regularly, socially distance, wear masks and be subject to restrictions on most work travel.

– Maureen Groppe

10:30 a.m. Wednesday: Arizona universities see COVID-19 cases 

COVID-19 at Arizona universities appears to be still relatively under control as the semester gears up.

Cases remain relatively low, but trends can change quickly week to week. The Arizona Republic monitors COVID-19 spread at the three public universities and private Grand Canyon University, adding updates weekly to the blog.

Arizona State University on Tuesday reported a total of 283 known positive cases among its student population of 77,063, compared with 271 cases the week prior and 121 two weeks ago.

Of the student cases, 243 are off-campus in metro Phoenix. Thirty-three were isolating on the Tempe campus and seven were isolating on the downtown Phoenix, ASU West or Polytechnic campuses.

There were 29 current known cases among 21,522 faculty and staff. Last week, there were 35 positives, similar to 38 two weeks ago.

Percent positivity for the weekly random testing program last week was about 2.2% for on-campus students, about 0.9% for off-campus students and about 0.2% for employees.

ASU has reported 557 total positive cases since Aug. 1: 408 students and 149 employees. ASU has tested about 32% of students living on campus and about 11% of students living off-campus since Aug. 1.

At the University of Arizona, 100 students and employees tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, with a percent positivity of 2.1%, according to data posted Tuesday. Twenty-five were on-campus students, 65 were off-campus students and 10 were employees.

Test results from Tuesday returned 11 positives from 325 tests, for a percent positivity of 3.4%.

The university's seven-day average for new positive test results is 14 per day.

A total of 212 people have tested positive since Aug. 2 from 11,705 total tests, with an overall percent positivity of 1.8%. Of the 212 cases, 35 have been on-campus students, 124 have been off-campus students and 53 have been employees.

The university has tested a total of 2,357 individual on-campus students, 3,228 off-campus students and 2,558 employees since Aug. 1.

Northern Arizona University was managing 56 COVID-19 cases among on- and off-campus students as of Sept. 3, up from 40 the week before.

The university did not post information about tests and cases among employees.

Testing locations run by NAU reported 128 positives among 1,930 total tests for the week of Aug. 29. That’s a positivity rate of 6.6%. Of those 128 cases, 38 are NAU-affiliated and 90 are not.

Grand Canyon University reported 16 active cases as of Sept. 5. Twelve cases are students and four are employees. A total of 30 students and 15 employees have tested positive since Aug. 15. The university does not release the total number of tests administered or the positivity rate.

— Alison Steinbach

9:30 a.m. Wednesday: State adds 2,222 new cases, 26 new deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,222 to a total of 1,037,012 on Wednesday. Twenty-six new deaths were reported, bringing the state’s death total to 19,079, according to data released by the state. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 10,943 in Maricopa; 2,533 in Pima; 957 in Pinal; 870 in Yuma; 862 in Mohave; 597 in Yavapai; 579 in Navajo; 456 in Apache; 343 in Coconino; 307 in Cochise; 250 in Gila; 187 in Santa Cruz; 96 in Graham; 85 in La Paz and 14 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 657,412 in Maricopa; 129,472 in Pima; 64,611 in Pinal; 39,770 in Yuma; 29,199 in Mohave; 24,322 in Yavapai; 20,221 in Coconino; 18,857 in Navajo; 13,369 in Cochise; 12,688 in Apache; 8,572 in Santa Cruz; 8,478 in Gila; 6,511 in Graham; 2,754 in La Paz and 776 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, before rising over the course of July to hit 14% the last week. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 10% for the week of Aug. 15, 11% for the week of Aug. 22 and 12% for the week of Aug. 29. It’s at 14% so far for the week of Sept. 5.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was at 2,090 on Tuesday. The highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a day in Arizona was 5,082 on Jan. 11.

The state reported more than 4 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Wednesday, which represents about 56.5% of the total population.

However, less than half of all Arizonans — 49.3% — had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Tuesday, which is below the national rate of 53.2%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 57.8% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Tuesday, lower than the national rate of 62.3%.

— Alison Steinbach

10 a.m. Tuesday: Arizona passes 19,000 known COVID-19 deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 1,982 to a total of 1,034,790 on Tuesday. Fifty-four new deaths were reported, bringing the state’s death total to 19,053, according to data released by the state.

The state passed 19,000 known COVID-19 deaths Tuesday. The first known death from the disease in Arizona was in March 2020.

The state reported death totals from these counties: 10,927 in Maricopa; 2,532 in Pima; 955 in Pinal; 870 in Yuma; 860 in Mohave; 595 in Yavapai; 579 in Navajo; 456 in Apache; 342 in Coconino; 307 in Cochise; 250 in Gila; 187 in Santa Cruz; 95 in Graham; 84 in La Paz and 14 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 656,093 in Maricopa; 129,321 in Pima; 64,164 in Pinal; 39,746 in Yuma; 29,050 in Mohave; 24,287 in Yavapai; 20,199 in Coconino; 18,826 in Navajo; 13,370 in Cochise; 12,684 in Apache; 8,568 in Santa Cruz; 8,464 in Gila; 6,505 in Graham; 2,748 in La Paz and 765 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, but it increased to 9% for the week of July 4, according to the state. It was 12% for the week of July 11, 13% for the week of July 18 and 14% for the week of July 25. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, and 10% for the week of Aug. 15 and 11% for the week of Aug. 22. It was 12% for the week of Aug. 29.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was at 2,083 on Monday. The highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a day in Arizona was 5,082 on Jan. 11.

The state reported more than 4 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Tuesday, which represents about 56.4% of the total population.

However, less than half of all Arizonans — 49% — had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Saturday, which is below the national rate of 53%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 57.5% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Saturday, lower than the national rate of 62%.

— Alison Steinbach

11 a.m. Monday: State adds 2,378 new cases, 1 new death

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 2,378 to a total of 1,032,808 on Monday. One new death was reported, bringing the state’s death total to 18,999, according to data released by the state.

The state reported death totals from these counties: 10,897 in Maricopa; 2,526 in Pima; 951 in Pinal; 867 in Yuma; 859 in Mohave; 592 in Yavapai; 576 in Navajo; 456 in Apache; 341 in Coconino; 306 in Cochise; 249 in Gila; 187 in Santa Cruz; 94 in Graham; 84 in La Paz and 14 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 654,651 in Maricopa; 129,139 in Pima; 64,160 in Pinal; 39,709 in Yuma; 28,968 in Mohave; 24,186 in Yavapai; 20,172 in Coconino; 18,806 in Navajo; 13,334 in Cochise; 12,679 in Apache; 8,553 in Santa Cruz; 8,451 in Gila; 6,497 in Graham; 2,746 in La Paz and 757 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, but it increased to 9% for the week of July 4, according to the state. It was 12% for the week of July 11, 13% for the week of July 18 and 14% for the week of July 25. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, and 11% for the week of Aug. 15 and the week of Aug. 22. It was 12% for the week of Aug. 29.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was at 2,033 on Sunday. The highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a day in Arizona was 5,082 on Jan. 11.

The state reported that more than 4 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Monday, which represents about 56.4% of the total population.

However, less than half of all Arizonans — 49% — had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Saturday, which is below the national rate of 52.9%, according to data from the CDC.

— Chelsea Curtis

10 a.m. Sunday: State adds 3,071 new cases, 1 new death

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 3,071 to a total of 1,030,430 on Sunday. One new death was reported, bringing the state’s death total to 18,998, according to data released by the state.

The state reported death totals from these counties: 10,897 in Maricopa; 2,526 in Pima; 951 in Pinal; 867 in Yuma; 859 in Mohave; 592 in Yavapai; 576 in Navajo; 456 in Apache; 341 in Coconino; 306 in Cochise; 249 in Gila; 187 in Santa Cruz; 93 in Graham; 84 in La Paz and 14 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 653,015 in Maricopa; 128,953 in Pima; 63,981 in Pinal; 39,674 in Yuma; 28,883 in Mohave; 24,132 in Yavapai; 20,101 in Coconino; 18,769 in Navajo; 13,307 in Cochise; 12,669 in Apache; 8,551 in Santa Cruz; 8,433 in Gila; 6,466 in Graham; 2,743 in La Paz and 753 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, but it increased to 9% for the week of July 4, according to the state. It was 12% for the week of July 11, 13% for the week of July 18 and 14% for the week of July 25. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, and 11% for the week of Aug. 15 and the week of Aug. 22. It was 12% for the week of Aug. 29.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was at 2,062 on Saturday. The highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a day in Arizona was 5,082 on Jan. 11.

The state reported that more than 4 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Sunday, which represents about 56.3% of the total population.

However, less than half of all Arizonans — 49% — had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Saturday, which is below the national rate of 52.9%, according to data from the CDC.

— Chelsea Curtis

9 a.m. Saturday: State adds 3,424 new cases 38 deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 3,424 to a total of 1,027,359 on Saturday. Thirty-eight new deaths were reported, bringing the state’s death total to 18,997, according to data released by the state.

The state reported death totals from these counties: 10,896 in Maricopa; 2,526 in Pima; 951 in Pinal; 867 in Yuma; 859 in Mohave; 592 in Yavapai; 576 in Navajo; 456 in Apache; 341 in Coconino; 306 in Cochise; 249 in Gila; 187 in Santa Cruz; 93 in Graham; 84 in La Paz and 14 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 650,663 in Maricopa; 128,624 in Pima; 63,936 in Pinal; 39,615 in Yuma; 28,871 in Mohave; 24,053 in Yavapai; 20,036 in Coconino; 18,747 in Navajo; 13,286 in Cochise; 12,644 in Apache; 8,540 in Santa Cruz; 8,413 in Gila; 6,442 in Graham; 2,741 in La Paz and 748 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, but it increased to 9% for the week of July 4, according to the state. It was 12% for the week of July 11, 13% for the week of July 18 and 14% for the week of July 25. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 11% for the week of Aug. 15 and the week of Aug. 22, and 9% for the week of Aug. 29.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was at 2,070 on Wednesday, the highest since Feb. 14. The highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a day in Arizona was 5,082 on Jan. 11.

The state reported more than 4 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Saturday, which represents about 56.3% of the total population.

However, less than half of all Arizonans — 49% — had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Saturday, which is below the national rate of 52.9%, according to data from the CDC.

— Joanna Jacobo Rivera

11 a.m. Friday: State adds 3,802 new cases, 80 deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 3,802 to a total of 1,023,935 on Friday. Eighty new deaths were reported, bringing the state’s death total to 18,959, according to data released by the state. Hospitalizations remained at high levels. 

The state reported death totals from these counties: 10,880 in Maricopa; 2,519 in Pima; 951 in Pinal; 866 in Yuma; 855 in Mohave; 587 in Yavapai; 576 in Navajo; 454 in Apache; 341 in Coconino; 306 in Cochise; 248 in Gila; 187 in Santa Cruz; 93 in Graham; 82 in La Paz and 14 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 648,475 in Maricopa; 128,362 in Pima; 63,747 in Pinal; 39,531 in Yuma; 28,724 in Mohave; 23,965 in Yavapai; 19,975 in Coconino; 18,697 in Navajo; 13,208 in Cochise; 12,508 in Apache; 8,534 in Santa Cruz; 8,359 in Gila; 6,387 in Graham; 2,721 in La Paz and 742 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, but it increased to 6% for the weeks of June 20 and June 27 and 9% for the week of July 4, according to the state. It was 12% for the week of July 11, 13% for the week of July 18 and 14% for the week of July 25. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 11% for the week of Aug. 15 and 11% for the week of Aug. 22. It’s at 12% so far for the week of Aug. 29.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was at 2,051 on Thursday. The highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a day in Arizona was 5,082 on Jan. 11.

The state reported more than 4 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Thursday, which represents about 56.2% of the total population.

However, less than half of all Arizonans — 48.1% — had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Thursday, which is below the national rate of 52.7%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 56.4% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Thursday, lower than the national rate of 61.7%.

— Alison Steinbach

7 a.m. Friday: Children accounted for more than 20% of weekly US cases

Kids accounted for more than one-fifth of total COVID-19 cases in the U.S. for the week ending Aug. 26, according to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association.

Last week, children made up 22.4% of the reported cases. That’s higher than the overall total average of child cases during the pandemic, which is 14.8% of total cumulative cases. The report also noted there was a 9% increase in the cumulative number of child cases from Aug. 12 to Aug. 26. 

The increase comes as children have begun in-person schooling for the first time since the pandemic began in many cases. The ages that states consider to be a “child” case vary, but children under 12 are currently ineligible for COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Thursday that new studies to be released Friday show hospitalizations in kids were four times higher in states with low vaccination rates in the month of August. 

“Cases, emergency room visits and hospitalizations are much lower among children and communities with higher vaccination rates. Vaccination works," Walensky said. 

COVID-related hospitalization and death among children is still rare, but more data is needed to determine long-term impacts on children, the American Academy of Pediatrics noted. 

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today

9:45 a.m. Thursday: State adds 3,470 new cases, 26 deaths

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by 3,470 to a total of 1,020,133 on Thursday. Twenty-six new deaths were reported, bringing the state’s death total to 18,879, according to data released by the state. Hospitalizations remained at high levels.

The state reported death totals from these counties: 10,831 in Maricopa; 2,509 in Pima; 949 in Pinal; 864 in Yuma; 851 in Mohave; 584 in Yavapai; 572 in Navajo; 453 in Apache; 341 in Coconino; 306 in Cochise; 248 in Gila; 186 in Santa Cruz; 91 in Graham; 82 in La Paz and 12 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 645,864 in Maricopa; 128,056 in Pima; 63,425 in Pinal; 39,479 in Yuma; 28,612 in Mohave; 23,859 in Yavapai; 19,917 in Coconino; 18,639 in Navajo; 13,194 in Cochise; 12,482 in Apache; 8,512 in Santa Cruz; 8,310 in Gila; 6,343 in Graham; 2,704 in La Paz and 737 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, but it increased to 6% for the weeks of June 20 and June 27 and 9% for the week of July 4, according to the state. It was 12% for the week of July 11, 13% for the week of July 18 and 14% for the week of July 25. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 11% for the week of Aug. 15 and 11% for the week of Aug. 22. It’s at 12% so far for the week of Aug. 29.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was at 2,070 on Wednesday, the highest since Feb. 14. The highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a day in Arizona was 5,082 on Jan. 11.

The state reported more than 4 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Thursday, which represents about 56.1% of the total population.

However, less than half of all Arizonans — 48% — had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Wednesday, which is below the national rate of 52.6%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 56.3% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Wednesday, lower than the national rate of 61.5%. 

— Alison Steinbach

4:10 p.m. Wednesday: State adds $60 million for hospital staffing

Gov. Doug Ducey announced $60 million for hospital staffing support to bring 750 additional nurses to Arizona for eight weeks.

Health care facilities are eligible for the staff if they meet conditions including administering monoclonal antibody treatment to eligible patients systemwide and offering COVID-19 vaccinations to patients on discharge.

Hospitals are using monoclonal antibodies as an early intervention with the aim of keeping high-risk patients with COVID-19 out of the hospital.

Health systems in Arizona are in need of nurses and others as staff is burning out and states are competing for contract nurse labor, driving up hiring costs. Hospitals statewide continue to see high numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations plus patients filling up beds for other reasons, straining existing staffing resources.

“Arizona’s health care professionals and all frontline workers are heroes, without a doubt,” Ducey said in a statement. “We are working to make sure they have the resources they need. This funding opportunity will decrease stress on existing hospital staff, increase hiring opportunities and decrease the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Arizona.”

Monoclonal antibodies have received increased attention recently as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revised its emergency use authorization for the REGEN-COV treatment and as studies point to the efficacy of the treatment in some cases.

The treatment may be used for patients at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, including those who are 65 and older, overweight, pregnant or have chronic kidney or lung disease, diabetes, immunosuppressive disease, cardiovascular disease or other conditions. The FDA also allows the drug to be used for some people who have been exposed to COVID-19 and are at high risk of bad outcomes.

“Putting reasonable conditions such as deploying proven peer-reviewed ways of reducing hospitalization makes perfect sense,” Ducey’s senior policy advisor Christina Corieri said during a media call of the conditions to be eligible for the hospital staffing.

This is the third time the state has earmarked money for hospital staffing support during the pandemic, bringing the total to $145 million. Previous programs were in November and December 2020. At that time, the condition placed on hospitals to get staff was that they must participate in the state’s surge line to coordinate COVID-19 patient placement, according to the governor’s office.

The $60 million for additional nurses comes from the state’s pool of federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars, Corieri said. The Arizona Department of Health Services is getting the money and will contract for the nurses and assign them statewide to hospitals based on need.

— Alison Steinbach

9:45 a.m. Wednesday: State adds high 4,740 new cases, 67 deaths after data issue

Arizona cases of COVID-19 increased by a high 4,740 to a total of 1,016,663 on Wednesday. Sixty-seven new deaths were reported, bringing the state’s death total to 18,853, according to data released by the state. Hospitalizations remained at high levels.

A “data-processing issue” resulted in far lower numbers on Tuesday (822 new cases) and higher numbers on Wednesday due to catching up, according to state health officials. New cases have recently averaged more than 3,000 a day.

The state reported death totals from these counties: 10,815 in Maricopa; 2,507 in Pima; 950 in Pinal; 862 in Yuma; 850 in Mohave; 583 in Yavapai; 572 in Navajo; 452 in Apache; 341 in Coconino; 306 in Cochise; 248 in Gila; 185 in Santa Cruz; 89 in Graham; 81 in La Paz and 12 in Greenlee.

Arizona reported case totals from these counties: 643,584 in Maricopa; 127,751 in Pima; 63,233 in Pinal; 39,405 in Yuma; 28,465 in Mohave; 23,708 in Yavapai; 19,869 in Coconino; 18,586 in Navajo; 13,148 in Cochise; 12,449 in Apache; 8,500 in Santa Cruz; 8,246 in Gila; 6,294 in Graham; 2,693 in La Paz and 732 in Greenlee.

For most of May and June, Arizona's percent positivity for COVID-19 testing was at 5%, but it increased to 6% for the weeks of June 20 and June 27 and 9% for the week of July 4, according to the state. It was 12% for the week of July 11, 13% for the week of July 18 and 14% for the week of July 25. It was 14% for the week of Aug. 1, 12% for the week of Aug. 8, 11% for the week of Aug. 15 and 11% for the week of Aug. 22. It’s at 13% so far for the week of Aug. 29.

The number of patients hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases was at 2,057 on Tuesday, the highest since Feb. 14. The highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a day in Arizona was 5,082 on Jan. 11.

The state reported more than 4 million people in Arizona had received at least one vaccine dose as of Wednesday, which represents about 56% of the total population.

However, less than half of all Arizonans — 47.9% — had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Tuesday, which is below the national rate of 52.4%, according to data from the CDC.

Of eligible people ages 12 and older, 56.2% of eligible Arizonans had been fully vaccinated as of Tuesday, lower than the national rate of 61.4%. 

— Alison Steinbach

9 a.m. Wednesday: AZ Department of Education calls for students to wear masks

The Arizona Department of Education joined with state health care leaders Wednesday to issue a plea for children to wear masks amid an ongoing COVID surge. At stake, they say, is this year's in-person learning after the disruption and uncertainty of last year.

"Because of decisions made by politicians, not public health experts, Arizona is facing another deadly surge of COVID-19 fueled by the more contagious Delta variant,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman, who has been vocal about her support for a universal mask mandate. 

"Without the ability to mandate masks at a local level or a more robust and effective statewide campaign to promote and distribute COVID-19 vaccines, the academic, social, and emotional well-being of Arizona’s students are in jeopardy."

The Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association also joined the call for students to wear masks in school.

Legislation passed this summer that forbids school districts from requiring masks goes into effect Sept. 29. More than 14 school districts have implemented mask mandates since schools reopened this year.

— Yana Kunichoff

'I stand by universal masking':Schools chief on COVID-19, masks and test scores