Top Arizona health official expects peak COVID-19 cases to occur in April
Mar 25, 2020, 3:45 PM | Updated: 9:27 pm
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
PHOENIX — A top state health official said Wednesday she expects the peak of coronavirus cases in Arizona to happen in April.
Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ said during a press conference that current modeling has indicated a peak of COVID-19 cases will occur by either mid-April or the end of the month.
Christ added that peak hospitalizations will likely happen in May as a result.
“Our recommendation is individuals social distance,” Christ said. “If they are sick, stay home. If they are high risk, stay home. We’ll continue to evaluate the data and make recommendations to keep individuals safe.”
Christ said it’s possible the modeling could change and adjust the time virus cases are expected to peak in the state.
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Coronavirus cases in the state have increased significantly in the past several days as testing has become more readily available.
Arizona reported 401 COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday morning, including six deaths.
There were 152 reported cases in the state before the first update of the week on Monday.
Christ said about 6,600 Arizonans have been tested for COVID-19 as of Wednesday.
“The idea is to reduce the number of deaths and reduce the number of illnesses,” Gov. Doug Ducey said. “That’s what we are focused on every day. That’s what the decisions have been to date and that’s what they will continue to be.”
