Arizona Department of Health Services Reports More Than 10,000 New Cases of Coronavirus Tuesday After Holiday Weekend

PHOENIX – After a low number of reports on Monday, the Arizona Department of Health Services recorded more than 10,000 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday morning.

As of Monday, the first day after Thanksgiving weekend, only 822 cases were recorded. Mondays typically show lower than normal numbers due to a delay in reporting across the state. Arizona recently recorded an average of 3,000 to 4,000 cases per day.

Tuesday’s records added 10,322 new cases and 48 more deaths.

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“This large number of newly reported cases is the result of the extended four-day weekend,” ADHS said in a statement. “Most of the time, local health agencies review and classify newly reported cases (identifying them as confirmed, probable or not). They will follow up with healthcare providers and laboratories if there are questions about the details of a case, which may take extra time during the holidays. “

ADHS reiterated: “It is important to note that these new reported cases were from specimens collected during the past week and are not all from yesterday.”

Some health experts and community leaders have expressed concern that Thanksgiving could lead to a further rise in COVID-19 cases in the state and country. Experts have suggested keeping Thanksgiving gatherings to a minimum and limiting travel.

However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened more than one million passengers on Sunday, the highest number since March.

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The ADHS also said on Tuesday: “The numbers are still moving in a worrying direction, especially as the number of parties and gatherings is expected to increase in the coming weeks.”

ADHS Director Dr Cara Christ posted a new post on the department’s blog on Tuesday, saying: “COVID-19 is highly contagious, and an estimated 50% of the spread is due to asymptomatic individuals. – an additional risk when meeting with loved ones or close friends. “

Dr Christ is urging people not to let their guard down and to continue to follow directions, wear masks and do their part to avoid spreading the virus.

In addition, the mayor of Tucson is proposing a curfew to help curb the spread of the virus and many schools are returning to distance learning.

See the latest Arizona coronavirus case count below.