Arizona reported nearly 2,000 new COVID-19 cases Friday, the most in a single day since early March, as virus-related hospitalizations continue to climb. Health officials report 24 additional deaths Friday. According to Johns Hopkins University data, the state’s seven-day rolling average of daily new cases rose sharply over the past two weeks. The rolling average of daily deaths dropped from 11 to 9 in the same period. Health officials in Arizona and across the country cite low vaccination rates and the fast-spreading delta variant for increasing numbers of new infections. More than 6.8 million vaccine doses have been administered in Arizona so far. Approximately 52% of the eligible population has received at least one dose. Over 3.3 million people have been fully vaccinated.
The Navajo Nation on Thursday reported 13 new COVID-19 cases and one additional death. While cases are down, Navajo leaders urge residents to continue wearing masks and get vaccinated.