Continuing COVID Rise Clashes With Ducey's Economic Message
Download mp3 (6.64 MB)Today, the state Department of Health Services has added 618 cases to the statewide tally, bringing the total to more than 28,000. Twenty-three more deaths have been reported since yesterday — totalling 1,070 deaths in our state overall.
At the same time, more than 409,000 tests have now been administered in Arizona.
State Health Director Dr. Cara Christ is urging hospitals to “fully activate” their emergency plans as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in Arizona. Jessica Rigler, the assistant director of the Department of Health Services, said the state is ready to create more beds if necessary.
“We do have St. Luke's available as an alternate care site," Rigler said. "It's currently a warm site. So it's not staffed to take patients at this time. But it is there and available should we need to spin it up.”
However, the letter stands in stark contrast to the reopening of Arizona businesses and encouragement from the governor to recharge the economy — albeit with social distancing in mind.
The Show spoke to Howie Fischer of Capitol Media Services for more about Gov. Doug Ducey’s message as hospitals near capacity.
