SAFFORD — Graham County experienced its second coronavirus-related death in as many days.
Graham County Health Department reported Friday the victim was a Safford resident over the age of 65.
That brings the total number of dead related to COVID-19 in December to five through the first 11 days of the month. Each victim was over the age of 65.
The worst month for coronavirus-related deaths in Graham County was August, when there were 13 deaths, followed by July with seven and November with six.
Graham County has experienced 40 coronavirus-related deaths since the start of the pandemic, and has an overall mortality rate of 1.6 percent. However, 36 of the 40 deaths have involved those over 65 and that age group’s mortality rate is at 10.6 percent.
The Health Department also reported 36 new cases Friday, with 20 in the Safford area, six each in Thatcher and on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, and four in Pima.
That brings the total number of new cases in December to 294 through the first 11 days; seven more than the same time in November.
Graham County’s total is at 2,509, with 1,002 cases considered active.
Greenlee County
Greenlee County Health Department reported eight new cases Thursday evening.
That brings the total number of new cases in December in Greenlee County to 75.
The county’s total is at 321, with 160 cases considered active and three deaths.
