Arizona has set a new one-day record for daily deaths from COVID-19 as hospitalizations from the surge topped 5,000 for the first time.
The state on Tuesday reported 335 new deaths from COVID-19, including 232 after the latest periodic reviews of past death certificates. The state also reported 8,559 additional known COVID-19 cases as pandemic totals increased to 636,100 cases and 10,482 deaths. With its health care system struggling to cope, the state had a record 5,082 COVID-19 patients occupying inpatient beds as of Monday, including a record 1,183 in intensive care beds. COVID-19 patients occupied 66% of all intensive care beds statewide and 59% of all inpatient beds.
In addition, the Arizona Department of Health Services says nearly 190,000 Arizonans have received the COVID-19 vaccine. It includes more than 17,000 who’ve completed both doses.
Officials this week opened a statewide vaccination site at the Cardinals football stadium in Glendale for educators, childcare workers, law enforcement and other prioritized groups in the 1b category. Appointments to receive the vaccine can be made through the state Health Services website. Arizona counties are also administering the vaccine to select populations.