Virus hospitalizations drop slightly in Arizona

Hospital numbers continue to show a slight decline as Arizona reported 1,559 new COVID-19 cases and 23 more known deaths on Monday.

Inpatient hospitalizations, ICU beds in use and emergency department visits by suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients all continued slight decreases from days prior. Ventilators in use stayed at the same level on Saturday and Sunday but dropped from last week, according to Sunday’s hospital data reported to the state.

Public health experts have begun to notice signs Arizona’s COVID-19 outbreak may be moderating, but more time is needed to know for sure.

Gov. Doug Ducey pointed out early signs of flattening at a Thursday news briefing but urged Arizonans to continue to stay home, avoid gatherings and practice physical distancing.

Identified cases rose to 145,183 and known deaths total 2,784, according to the daily report by the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Monday’s dashboard shows 86% of current inpatient beds and 87% of ICU beds were in use, which includes people being treated for COVID-19 and other patients. Overall, 49% of ventilators were in use.

The 23 additional known deaths reported on Monday represent the new deaths identified by the Health Department that day, but deaths could have occurred weeks prior and on different days.

Testing so far has not kept up with the virus’ spread, although the state recently announced efforts to expand testing. During the past three weeks, cases increased by 95% and tests increased by 55%. Of known test results from last week, 16% have come back positive. A high number of positive tests means there is not enough broad testing and the virus is widespread.