SAFFORD —November ended with the third-greatest number of new COVID-19 infections in the Gila Valley this year.
That’s according to the most recent update issued by the Graham County Health Department. On Nov. 22, the Health Department announced 141 new cases, bringing November’s total to 715. That falls below September’s 765 and January’s 1,889.
The Health Department also announced four more coronavirus-related deaths, bringing November’s total to 11, third this year behind 14 deaths each in January and October.
To date, there have been 8,334 coronavirus infections in Graham County since the start of the pandemic, meaning about one in five residents (21.5 percent) have been diagnosed as having had the virus.
There have also been 126 deaths, for a 1.5 percent mortality rate.
While only 53 percent of Graham County’s total population has been vaccinated for COVID-19, in a posting to social media, Health Department Director Brian Douglas said 97 percent of residents 65-years-old and older have been vaccinated.
“The Graham County Health Department is offering COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine to children 5 years of age and older. In addition, we’re offering COVID booster vaccinations to anyone 18 years and older,” Douglas said.
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 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 1-7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
