SAFFORD — Graham County experienced more new COVID-19 cases in October than it did during the July peak.
Graham County Health Department reported 22 new cases on Oct. 31, bringing the county’s total in October to 378, three more than the 375 experienced in July.
A total of 148 of October’s cases involved residents of the Safford area, 142 were on the Graham County portion of the San Carlos Apache Reservation, 72 were in Thatcher, 28 were in Pima and two in Fort Thomas.
There was also a new death Oct. 31, a Thatcher resident over the age of 65.
October was better in terms of deaths. There were four COVID-19 related deaths in October, compared to seven in July.
November is starting with an equally high number of new cases. There were 35 new cases reported Sunday and two Monday.
Graham County’s total is at 1,283, with 412 cases considered active and 29 deaths.
Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center reports there are seven COVID-19 patients in the Intensive Care Unit as of Monday, the most the hospital has seen through the pandemic. However, hospital officials said there still remains capacity in the ICU for additional patients should the need arise.
Greenlee County is at seven days without a new case.
Greenlee County Health Department reports the total is holding at 103, with 41 cases considered active and two deaths.
