Phoenix hospitals concerned as COVID cases rise

Phoenix-area hospital leaders are concerned by a sudden increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Arizona as the holiday season approaches.

The Arizona Department of Health Services reported 3,459 new infections and 16 more deaths on Wednesday, bringing the state’s totals to 1,223,892 cases and 21,752 deaths. ADHS data also showed 2,315 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 as of Tuesday, the highest number since February of this year.

“I am sorry to say that we continue to see a rise in the number of COVID-19 disease positive patients that we’re seeing hospitalized needing acute care within the medical center,” said Dr. Michael White, chief clinical officer with Valleywise Health. “Certainly, as we’re following the data that’s present within Maricopa County as well as the state of Arizona, we’ve seen this case count suddenly and consistently rise over the last few weeks, which is being reflected in the patients that we’re caring for here within the medical center.”