SAFFORD — The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the Gila Valley continues to grow.
Tuesday evening, Graham County Health Department announced five new cases, bringing the county’s total to 45 and two deaths.
Three of the new cases are connected to the cluster first discovered Memorial Day while the other two are being investigated. Two of the victims live in Safford, two in Thatcher and one in San Carlos.
Meanwhile the San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation announced Wednesday a new positive case on the reservation. The tribe’s total has grown to 32 — 14 on the reservation and 18 off reservation — with two off-reservation deaths.
Greenlee County has been holding at 10 positive cases and one death since June 4.
Graham County Health Department also announced the area’s first free mass testing will take place Saturday, June 13, at Canyonlands Healthcare.
Those participating in the drive-through testing will first complete paperwork and then be given a nasal swab. Results are expected to take a few days to complete and participants will be notified of results. Those who test positive will be given additional instructions.
The testing will take place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Canyonlands, 2016 W. 16th Street in Safford.
For more information contact Canyonlands at 928-428-1500 or Graham County Health Department at 928-428-0110.
