SAFFORD — Graham County ended July and August 2021 in virtually the same situation as those two months in 2020 when it comes to coronavirus.
Graham County Health Department reported another 108 new cases of COVID-19 on Aug. 30, bringing August’s total of new cases to 534. Combined with July’s 90 new cases, that brings the two-month total to 624, one more than the total of 623 in July and August 2020.
July 2020’s 381 was the peak month of new cases in Graham County since the start of the pandemic, until the explosion of new cases hit in the fall and winter months of October, November, December and January, when the peak of 1,889 new cases in a month was set.
August 2021 is now the month with the fourth most number of new cases.
September is continuing that growing trend of new cases, with 134 new cases reported Sept. 2, as well as two deaths. That brings the total number of Graham County residents who have lost their lives to COVID-19 to 91.
The Health Department reports there are 600 active cases of coronavirus in the county.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, Graham County has the second-lowest vaccination rate in the state. Apache County has the lowest vaccination rate at 26.2 percent, followed by Graham County at 32.7 percent and Navajo County at 39.1 percent.
Seven of Arizona’s 15 counties have vaccination rates in excess of 50 percent — including Greenlee County — and another five have a better than 40 percent vaccination rate. Santa Cruz County has the state’s best rate at 75.5 percent.
Graham County continues to offer free vaccinations for anyone over the age of 12, including the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine.
The Health Department also announced teen nights at the vaccination clinic on Main Street at Safford. Teens 12 to 18 who receive the Pfizer vaccine will receive a $5 Dairy Queen gift card upon receiving the first dose, and a free pizza on receiving the second dose. Teen vaccination clinics take place Thursdays and Fridays, from 5-7:30 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, go to Activities • Graham County, AZ • CivicEngage.
