SAFFORD — The good news the number of new coronavirus cases in the Gila Valley saw its first significant drop in more than a month.
The bad news is there was another coronavirus-related death.
Graham County Health Department announced Thursday 100 new cases over the previous three days, bringing February’s total thus far to 568.
The total number of active cases has also declined, standing at 2,235 as of Feb. 10.
Since the start of the pandemic, Graham County has experienced 11,680 cases of COVID-19, which is equal to 30.3 percent of the county’s estimated population.
The latest death is the second in February and the 166th in Graham County since the start of the pandemic. The area is experiencing a 1.42 percent mortality rate.
Arizona Department of Health Services reports 49.9 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 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
