The Arizona Department of Health Services is reporting over 152,000 cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday morning.

In Arizona, there are 152,944 cases and 3,063 deaths of the novel coronavirus, up 2,335 and 89 from Wednesday morning, respectively. That computes to a 2.00% death rate of confirmed cases in the state.

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

Arizona — the 14th most populous state in the U.S. — is one of 11 states with over 100,000 cases.

Maricopa County shows a case rate of 2,280 cases per 100,000 residents, using 2019 estimates. The state rate is 2,101. Santa Cruz County has the highest at 5,213 cases per 100,000 residents.

The coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough for most people.

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

Thousands of free COVID-19 testing appointments remain available for Arizonans to get tested in the Phoenix area with short wait times and quick turnaround of results.

Federal, state, and local government agencies continue to provide free diagnostic testing in Maryvale and South Phoenix. With both sites operating throughout the weekend, there have been minimal wait times and plenty of available appointments. Up to 5,000 tests can be conducted each day — 2,500 at each site — to serve up to 60,000 Arizonans. As of Tuesday morning, only 5,537 of the 20,000 available tests since Friday have been used.

“The free testing offered at our surge testing sites is available to all Arizonans, whether or not you live in these areas,” Gov. Doug Ducey stated. “We encourage anyone who wants to get tested for COVID-19 to take advantage of this opportunity, even if you do not have symptoms. No one will be turned away.”

Both sites will continue to provide free diagnostic testing for COVID-19 through Tuesday, July 28 in these high-need, underserved communities. Testing is available at South Mountain Park, 10919 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85042, and Maryvale High School, 3415 N 59th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85033. Information on pre-registration for the testing sites is available at www.azhealth.gov/SurgeTesting.

The surge testing locations are a partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, and Phoenix Incident Command. To ensure an appointment, participants are encouraged to pre-register. Patients do not need to have symptoms to get a test. This test involves a self-administered nasal swab in a drive-thru stall. Those tested will receive five cloth face coverings. Results will be available within 24-48 hours from the time specimens arrive at the lab. Tested individuals will receive their results through an online portal. 

“We have worked to increase access to testing to highly impacted areas of the state,” stated Dr. Cara Christ, AZDHS director. “Over the last several weeks, we have seen high demand and extended wait times for testing. Addition of these new free testing sites has helped meet this demand, with much shorter wait times and significant appointment availability for people who want to be tested.  We appreciate the help from our federal, state, and local partners to increase access to testing.” 

Arizonans can take the following precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19: 

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wear a mask every time you are in public, even if you do not feel sick.  
• Physically distance by staying at least six feet away from others who are not in your household when you are in public. 
• Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. 
• Arizonans at higher risk for severe illness should continue to stay at home and avoid crowded public spaces. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) and immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Healthcare providers are offering testing at over 300 testing locations statewide. People are encouraged to follow the instructions on the testing website as many of the healthcare providers require individuals to pre-register for testing and may have other requirements to get tested. Testing locations along with appointment times and registration links can be found online at azhealth.gov/testing