SAFFORD — The number of new coronavirus cases in the Gila Valley continues to rise, with Graham County Health Department reporting 83 new cases over the past five days.
There were 26 new cases reported Aug. 12, and 57 cases reported Aug. 16.
That brings the total number of new cases in August thus far to 163, more than May, June and July combined; and comparable to the entire months of April, which had 171, and February, which saw 175 cases.
The increase in cases means an increase in hospitalizations, but Lori Ray, chief nursing officer for Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, said the hospital is prepared.
“We’re seeing an increase but not quite as bad as the national level,” Ray said. “It’s still concerning and we want to make sure we’re prepared and ready to take care of whatever comes our way.”
Roland Knox, hospital CEO, said MGRMC is seeing an average of about three cases a day and the average age of the COVID-19 patients is around 50.
Most of the new cases — 50 — are in the 85546 Zip Code, which includes Safford and the unincorporated parts of the county to the east and south. Twenty-two cases are in the 85552 Zip Code, and 16 are in the 85543 Zip, which is Pima, Bylas and the unincorporated areas to the west and north.
Health Department Director Brian Douglas told the Board of Supervisors Monday that local demand for vaccines is on the rise.
“We are staying on top of it, and we are hiring a few nurses as they come along,” Douglas said.
Arizona Department of Health Services reports 30.5 percent of Graham County’s population has been vaccinated.
Residents 12 and older may receive the vaccine for free. Children 12 to 17 may receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, while those 18 and older may receive the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
To schedule an appointment go to Activities • Graham County, AZ • CivicEngage.
