Below is a summary discussion of Dr. Gerald’s weekly update. As always, I encourage you to view the full report for much more interesting detail.

  • This week saw an eighth straight week of meaningful declines in Covid-19 cases and hospital occupancy. In all but Coconino County, absolute levels of SARS-CoV-2 viral transmission have fallen below the 100 new cases per 100,000 residents per week threshold.

  • As of March 7th, new cases were being diagnosed at a rate of 79 cases per 100,000 residents per week (Figure 10 below). This rate is declining by 16 cases per 100,000 residents per week.

  • In some communities, absolute levels of transmission and test positivity have reached levels that warrant a return to in-person instruction using a hybrid mode or reduced attendance (see CDC Recommended Mitigation Strategies for K – 12 Learning Modes). Full in-person instruction is not recommended by the CDC until transmission falls below 50 cases per 100K residents per week.

  • Hospital Covid-19 occupancy continues to decline in the ward and ICU. Access to care however, remains somewhat restricted as the backlog of medically necessary non-Covid procedures is addressed.

  • Arizona is still reporting a large number of weekly deaths and this count may underestimate true fatalities. The week ending January 17th will be Arizona’s deadliest with >1000 deaths. Arizona’s weekly tally of deaths ranks it 9th in the nation while its overall rank remains 6th since the outbreak began.

  • According to the CDC, 14.6% of Arizona adults have received at least 2-doses of vaccine while another 13.4% have received 1-dose. The ADHS Dashboard is reporting slightly higher levels.