Arizona reports 1,438 new coronavirus cases, two additional deaths

This is a regularly updated story with the latest information, news and updates about the coronavirus and its impact in Arizona and beyond for the week starting June 1. (Previous daily updates: May 25-May 31)

PHOENIX — The Arizona health department reported 1,438 new coronavirus cases Sunday morning.

With two additional fatalities, Arizona documented totals stand at 26,889 cases and 1,044 deaths.

The five highest daily number of new cases reported have come in the last six days, with the most ever in a daily update being over 1,500 on Friday.

More than 393,000 combined tests for active COVID-19 infections (PCR testing) and antibodies (serology testing) have been given in Arizona, including 12,334 added to the total Sunday.

Of the tests of both types that have been processed, 6.2% have come back positive, continuing an upward trend. It was 6% on Saturday.

For the over 281,000 virus tests (PCR) given, including 9,975 reported Sunday, the positive rate was 7.4%. It was 7.2% on Saturday.

For the over 111,000 antibody (serology) tests given, including 2,359 added in the latest report, the positive rate rose to 3.1% from a steady 3%.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Health Director Dr. Cara Christ said Thursday that recent rises in new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and positive test percentages aren’t unexpected or reason for concern.

They said the state’s hospital resources have the capacity to handle the increase.

The Arizona Department of Health Services has been providing case and testing updates on its website each morning. The dashboard includes, among other information, testing trends, updated hospital capacity and a ZIP code map of cases.

The daily reports present data after the state receives statistics and compiles them, which can lag by several days. They aren’t meant to represent the actual activity over the past 24 hours.

Below are the latest developments about the coronavirus pandemic from around the state, country and world:

Sunday, June 7

• Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez announced an increase of 102 new coronavirus cases among the Navajo Nation and a total death count of 277. While the total amount of COVID-19 cases have reached 6,020, there have been approximately 2,727 individuals who have recovered from the virus.

Saturday, June 6

• Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez announced an increase of 110 new coronavirus cases among the Navajo Nation and a total death count of 274. While the total amount of COVID-19 cases have reached 5,918, there have been approximately 2,686 individuals who have recovered from the virus.

Friday, June 5

• Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez announced an increase of 78 new coronavirus cases among the Navajo Nation and a total death count of 269. While the total amount of COVID-19 cases have reached 5,730, there have been approximately 2,576 individuals who have recovered from the virus. A new public health order allows “drive-in” gatherings with some restrictions.
• Glendale City Hall, which has been closed to the public since mid-March, will reopen Monday, the city announced. Visitors are asked to follow social distancing recommendations, and no more than three people, and one person per family, will be allowed at a time in the customer service area.
• The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 13.3% in May from 14.7%, and 2.5 million jobs were added — a surprisingly positive reading in the midst of a recession that has paralyzed the economy in the wake of the viral pandemic.
• The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said its jails had 30 cases of coronavirus among inmates, a total that soared from six since Saturday.
• The federal government released information about which nursing homes in Arizona had coronavirus cases and deaths.

Thursday, June 4

• Nation President Jonathan Nez announced an increase of 69 new coronavirus cases among the Navajo Nation and a total death count of 264. While the total amount of COVID-19 cases have reached 5,808, there have been approximately 2,174 individuals who have recovered from the virus.
• Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said he believes his office and public health officials have chosen the best course of action in handling the virus outbreak.
• Northern Arizona University announced an updated schedule for the fall semester.
• Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Health Director Dr. Cara Christ said recent rises in new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and positive test percentages aren’t unexpected or reason for concern.
• The Navajo Nation is extending its closure of tribal government facilities and continuing its overnight curfews while ending weekend lockdowns imposed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
• Amazon will be offering over 4,000 permanent full-time positions to seasonal employees hired in Arizona in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Wednesday, June 3

• Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez announced an increase of 128 new coronavirus cases among the Navajo Nation and a total death count of 259. While the total amount of COVID-19 cases have reached 5,661, there have been approximately 2,029 individuals who have recovered from the virus.
• Scottsdale’s Civic Center and Mustang public libraries said they will reopen Monday with extra sanitation measures in place, while the Appaloosa and Arabian branches will continue with curbside-only service.
• The Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel in Williams, including daily train trips between Williams and the South Rim, will resume operations June 15 with health and safety precautions in place.
• U.S. businesses shed 2.8 million jobs in May, significantly fewer than the 9.3 million job losses that were expected, as businesses reopen after the lifting of coronavirus-related restrictions.

Tuesday, June 2

• Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez announced an increase of 54 new coronavirus cases among the Navajo Nation and a total death count of 252. While the total amount of COVID-19 cases have reached 5,533, there have been approximately 1,960 individuals who have recovered from the virus.
• To boost businesses hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Mesa is allowing restaurants and bars to temporarily expand services to outdoor portions on their property. The city also is suspending codes restricting temporary signage.
• Voters are being asked to navigate curfews, health concerns and a sharp increase in mail balloting as elections take place in nine states and the District of Columbia.

Monday, June 1

• Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez announced an increase of 131 new coronavirus cases among the Navajo Nation and a total death count of 248. While the total amount of COVID-19 cases have reached 5,479, there have been approximately 1,920 individuals who have recovered from the virus.
• All 15 Arizona counties have now reported at least one death due to coronavirus after Santa Cruz reported its first on Monday.
• The city of Surprise said it its Fourth of July fireworks show would go on this year, but without a central gathering. To avoid the risk of spreading COVID-19, residents are encouraged to watch the 20-minute display originating near Bullard Avenue and Paradise Lane at 8:40 p.m. from their homes or vehicles.
• The Arizona Department of Education released guidance for public schools on how to safely reopen after the coronavirus pandemic caused them to close in mid-March.
• Tempe started reopening dog parks, athletic fields and basketball and volleyball courts. Pools will open June 15.
• As local leaders around the U.S. are pleading for more federal coronavirus aid — even before protests over police violence erupted across the country — the Senate resumed session with no immediate plans to consider a fresh round of relief.

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