Arizona is going in the wrong direction in its fight against COVID-19.
The state has recorded 3,000 new cases for five of the past six days. Hospitals are going into this current surge with beds already filled to near capacity.
The number of Arizonans who have received at least one vaccination has risen to a rate of nearly 60%, and projections from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health are predicting that from a national perspective, this winter’s COVID-19 surge should only reach 70% hospital capacity.
“At this point we have our peak season with many folks returning to Arizona from around the country,” said Dr. Shad Marvasti with the University of Arizona College of Medicine. “We have large events without any mask mandates or vaccine requirements or COVID testing requirements.”
Dr. Marvasti added the number of breakthrough cases is rising as well. He says anyone who’s 18 years old, vaccinated and thinks their job puts them at risk of contracting COVID-19 should get a booster shot.
To answer some more COVID-19 questions, The Show heard from Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director for disease control at the Maricopa County Health Department.
