SAFFORD — For the third report in a row, new coronavirus cases in the Gila Valley remain relatively low.
On Tuesday, the Graham County Health Department reported 59 new cases over the previous five days.
That brings February’s total thus far to 742, an average of 33.7 new cases per day. By comparison, January averaged 71 new cases per day.
While the case count is down, the 85543 Zip Code is seeing an increased proportion of those cases, virtually identical in the number of cases as the more populous 85546 Zip Code area so far this month. Over previous months of the pandemic, the 85546 area has seen two- to-three times as many cases at the 85543 and 85552 Zip Code areas.
The Health Department also reported another coronavirus-related death Tuesday. That brings February’s death toll thus far to six and 170 since the start of the pandemic.
Arizona Department of Health Services reports 50.1 percent of Graham county’s population has been vaccinated for coronavirus. Graham County Health Department is providing free vaccines to anyone 5-years-old and older, and free boosters to anyone 12 and older. To schedule an appointment for the free vaccine or booster, go to Activities • Graham County, AZ • CivicEngage.
Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, in partnership with the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, is offering free drive-up COVID-19 testing at the hospital’s Copper Mountain Clinic. Free drive-up testing takes place Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
