State Glance

Ariz. reports 3,624 new COVID cases, 24 a new deaths

PHOENIX — Arizona health officials already concerned about a fall surge are reporting more than 3,600 new COVID-19 cases.

The state Department of Health Services coronavirus dashboard on Thursday recorded 3,624 new confirmed cases and another 24 deaths.

Except for Monday, the past week has consistently seen more than 3,000 new cases statewide each day.

The total number of cases and deaths in Arizona since the pandemic started now stand at 1,202,901 and 21,549, respectively.

The number of patients hospitalized for virus-related reasons also continues to trend upward. As of Wednesday, there were 2,113 hospitalizations.

Department of Health Services officials warned this week that every county in the state has substantial or high COVID-19 transmission.

According to Johns Hopkins University data, the seven-day rolling average of daily new cases rose over the past two weeks, increasing from 1,828 on Oct. 26 to nearly 3,340 on Tuesday. The seven-day rolling average of daily deaths dropping slightly from around 63 on Oct. 30 to 47 on Tuesday.

Maricopa County Sheriff’s lieutenant fatally hit by vehicle

SCOTTSDALE— A Maricopa County Sheriff’s lieutenant has died after being struck by a vehicle while working traffic control Wednesday in Scottsdale, authorities said.

Sheriff’s officials said Chad Brackman was working off-duty when he was struck about 10 a.m.

Brackman was taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Scottsdale police said the driver of the vehicle involved was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries related to the crash.

The name of the driver wasn’t immediately released by police, who say the incident was under investigation and didn’t disclose any details.

Sheriff’s officials said Brackman, 47, was a 22year veteran of MCSO and leaves behind a wife, two children and two stepchildren.