Experts Predict Second Arizona Shutdown As Coronavirus Cases Increase
Last week, Arizona passed 1,000 COVID-19 deaths, placing the state among the top 25 for fatalities per 1 million residents.
There has been a spike in coronavirus cases since social distancing restrictions were lifted last month, leading some experts to believe there could be a second shutdown.
“When you look at the data, and look at the number of tests and the percentage of positive tests, it’s very clear that it’s a real increase in community spread," said Will Humble, executive director for the Arizona Public Health Association. "It’s not some artifact of additional testing.”
Humble says while protesting might’ve contributed to the rise in cases, there is still a much lower chance of catching the virus outside.
In order to prevent the spread and avoid another shutdown, Humble says there needs to be more focus on infection control in assisted living facilities and a specific mitigation policy in place for each city.
