The Arizona Department of Health Services reported an additional 619 cases and four deaths of COVID-19 as of Friday morning.

According to AZDHS, there are 196,899 cases and 4,688 deaths of the novel coronavirus in Arizona. That marked the seventh straight day with under 1,000 daily new cases.

The number of cases could be higher because many people have not been tested, and some can be infected without feeling sick.

The Maricopa County Department of Health is reporting 131,044 cases and 2,745 deaths in Arizona’s most populous county.

Maricopa County shows a case rate of 2,924 cases per 100,000 residents, using 2019 population estimates. The state rate is 2,705. Santa Cruz County has the highest at 5,845 cases per 100,000 residents.

As of Friday  morning, Arizona has the second lowest R-naught in the nation at 0.83, according to rt.live.  Alabama currently has the lowest with 0.78. This is the average number of people who become infected by an infectious person. Less than 1.0 is ideal, officials say.

According to Johns Hopkins University data analyzed by The Associated Press, seven-day rolling averages of cases and deaths in Arizona continued to decline over the past two weeks.

The rolling average of new daily cases dropped from 1,836 on Aug. 6 to 784 on Aug. 20, and the rolling average of deaths per day dropped from 64 on Aug. 6 to 43 on Aug. 20.

The coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough for most people. The vast majority of people who are diagnosed with COVID-19 recover.

But for some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness including pneumonia, and death.

AZDHS and ASU Biodesign have partnered to make available COVID-19 saliva testing for Arizonans. It’s quick, easy and free. 

Tempe Testing
Where: Tempe Diablo Stadium - 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282
When: 6:30–9:30 a.m.
How: Pre-registration is required

Tucson Testing
Where: Ellie Towne Community Center – 1660 W. Ruthrauff Road, Tucson 85705
When: 7 a.m.-noon
How: Pre-registration is required

More testing is available this weekend at the Tucson location. It is also available next week at State Farm Stadium in the West Valley, Diablo Stadium in Tempe and Ellie Towne Community Center in Tucson. Details on hours of operation and pre-registration requirements can be found HERE. 

COVID-19 testing is available at more than 400 sites across Arizona. Details including locations, hours of operation and contact information can be found HERE.