SAFFORD — January 2022 is now the worst month for COVID-19 in the Gila Valley.
On Thursday, Graham County Health Department reported 319 new cases over the previous three days. That brings January’s total thus far to 1,920 cases, which tops the previous high month of 1,889 in January 2021.
Active cases are now up to 1,965.
The new cases bring Graham County’s total number of cases to 10,830 since the start of the pandemic, which is nearly 28 percent of the county’s total population.
The Health Department also reported another coronavirus-related death, bringing January’s total thus far to seven and 163 since the start of the pandemic.
Arizona Department of Health Services reports 57.9 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 1-5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
