COVID-19 hospitalization numbers are beginning to level off. Researchers say the state’s R-naught number — which measures the average number of people who will be infected by one person — is once again below 1.0. That means the spread of the disease is on track to decline.
But the governor's chief of staff, Daniel Scarpinato, says this shouldn’t signal a relief from restrictions.
“The virus continues to be widespread. And we need to make that clear. What we don't want is for anyone to think that because there's some leveling off or because that R-naught number has dropped that we can let up or that we don't have to wear a mask any more,” Scarpinato said.
The R-Naught number previously fell below 1.0 during Ducey’s stay-at-home order. It then rose to 1.25 once the order was lifted May 15. Researchers attribute the current drop to local governments imposing mask mandates and other restrictions, as well as Ducey reversing course and closing bars, gyms and restaurants.
