SAFFORD — The Gila Valley experienced almost 150 new coronavirus cases over the past three days.
Graham County Health Department reported 34 new cases Saturday, 67 Sunday and 45 Monday, for a three-day total of 146.
That brings December’s total to 440 new cases, and it is now the month with the second greatest number of cases in Graham County since the start of the pandemic, despite only 14 days having elapsed.
December also continues to outpace November, the month with the greatest number of cases to date. Through the first 14 days of the month, November saw 402 new cases, 38 fewer than December’s 440.
The Health Department also announced another coronavirus-related death Saturday, a Safford resident over the age of 65.
That brings the total number of deaths in the Gila Valley since the start of the pandemic to 41, with six having occurred in December. Of the 41 victims, 37 have been age 65 or older.
Graham County’s total number of cases is now at 2,655, with 1,032 cases considered active. The county’s positivity rate is 27.3 percent.
Greenlee County
Greenlee County added 15 new cases over the weekend.
Greenlee County Health Department reported seven new cases Friday, six Saturday and two Sunday.
That brings the total number of new cases in December to 90 through Dec. 13, a 233 percent increase over the same time in November, when there were 27 new cases.
Greenlee County’s total is at 336, with 175 cases considered active and three deaths. The county’s positivity rate is 10.4 percent.
