Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from April 24-26

PHOENIX — Arizona continues to fight against rising cases of coronavirus, the first 100-degree day of the year arrives and protests to reopen Arizona put one Phoenix nurse in an uncomfortable predicament.

Here are some stories that headlined the Arizona news cycle over the weekend.

Arizona coronavirus cases exceed 6,500, death toll at 275

With 246 new positive tests for coronavirus reported by the state health department on Sunday morning, Arizona has exceeded more than 6,500 confirmed cases.

The state now has 6,526 cases with two new deaths, bringing the death toll to 275.

There have been 64,811 tests given in Arizona, an increase of 2,303 since Saturday.

Phoenix hits milestone with first 100-degree day of the year

Summer may not officially start for a couple more months, but Phoenix didn’t get the memo.

Phoenix reached 100 degrees for the first time this year on Sunday around 1:45 p.m., according to the National Weather Service Phoenix.

Phoenix nurse says she felt like enemy at coronavirus restriction protest

“As a nurse, it’s the first time I’ve ever felt like the enemy,” Lauren Leander told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Broomhead Show.

Leander was one of several nurses featured in viral photos of the Monday protest, which was aimed at persuading Gov. Doug Ducey to reopen the state in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.

Sonora Quest Laboratories offering coronavirus antibody testing

Sonora Quest Laboratories is ramping up its fight against the spread of coronavirus in the state.

The diagnostic laboratory testing company announced Friday it will begin offering antibody testing for COVID-19 using blood specimens.

With this new testing, Sonora Quest can provide health care providers in Arizona both the COVID-19 antibody test as well as the molecular diagnostic testing that has been offered since March.

Lake Pleasant implements additional restrictions to limit coronavirus spread

Lake Pleasant Regional Park adopted new closure guidelines starting Saturday to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

Park officials announced Friday the new weekend changes included a hard close of the park’s main entrance from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. all weekend.

There were no new entries or reentries allowed into the park during the closure.

There were also no same-day camping reservations allowed for Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

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