Arizona coronavirus count jumps to 104 cases, with 1 confirmed death

Arizona's reported coronavirus case count has increased by more than 30% over the past day, with 104 reported cases throughout the state Saturday.

The numbers from Friday also included the state's first death tied to the coronavirus. Officials said the Maricopa County man in his 50s had underlying health conditions.

The latest tally of confirmed and presumptive positive cases of the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, is at 49 in Maricopa County, which is the highest case number of any county in Arizona. The state's most populous county saw the largest jump with an additional 14 cases.

The state data showed Pinal County has 14 cases, Pima County has 12, Coconino County has 11, Navajo County 10 and Apache County 3. Yavapai, Yuma, Santa Cruz Graham and Cochise counties each have one.

At least four of the new cases were in Pinal County. Officials identified them as a woman in her 40s, a woman in her 60s, a man in his 60s and another man in his 70s. They are all at home and recovering. The Pinal County Health Department said none of the cases are related to one another or any previous cases.

Thirty-two of the positive cases were identified by the Arizona state lab, and 72 were identified by private labs, which began testing last week. There were 122 tests pending as of Saturday morning, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported.

The number of cases in the state is likely much higher than the numbers reflect because of limited testing availability. Many Arizonans have reported being sick with COVID-19 symptoms but are unable to get tested. The symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Cases jump on the Navajo Nation

The number of positive cases on the Navajo Nation has jumped to 26.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer were informed of the increase by the Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Area Indian Health Service Saturday.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases include 18 from the Kayenta Service Unit, four from the Chinle Service Unit, three from the Tuba City Service Unit, and one from the Crownpoint Service Unit.

As of Saturday, there are no confirmed deaths related to COVID-19 for residents of the Navajo Nation, the news release stated.

According to officials, the tribal and IHS epidemiologist teams are working to stop the spread of the virus, but the degree of contact of contagious individuals and the exposure is unknown.

“There are people who are testing negative for COVID-19 and that is good news, but there are still many more tests that the Navajo Department of Health and the Navajo Area IHS are waiting for results and confirmation,” Nez said.

Nez issued a "stay at home order" Friday for all residents of the Navajo Nation, requiring them to remain at home and isolated.

“Everyone needs to stay home, that’s how we will start to beat this virus," Nez said. "We know some may need food, medicine, or other essential items, but beyond that we shouldn’t have anyone traveling or going out into the public."

First responders began delivering care packages to residents of Chilchinbeto on Saturday, according to the press release. Some of the resources provided for the community included coal, firewood and water.

“We want to let the Navajo Nation know that we are here to help our Nation get through this time. We stand with you every step of the way. We will overcome this virus,” Nez said.

The Navajo Police Department has established community checkpoints to limit and inform travelers to stay home and discourage unnecessary traveling. These checkpoints have been set up near the Chilchinbito area.

Reach public safety reporter Bree Burkitt at bburkitt@republicmedia.com or at 602-444-8515. Follow her on Twitter at @breeburkitt.

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