What’s different about Arizona’s latest surge
Arizona #Arizona
Arizona’s number of identified COVID-19 cases has reached 914,132 (up 1,479 from the day before), and the number of known deaths increased by seven to 18,144.
Just more than 900 people were hospitalized in Arizona for known or suspected COVID-19 cases on Thursday, the most since early March.
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An ASU expert says Arizona is in the midst of a third surge of the virus, but this go-around, we have the benefit of the vaccine.
Joshua LaBaer, executive director of ASU’s Biodesign Institute, said that should mean fewer deaths and hospitalizations.
But the virus, including the more contagious delta variant, is finding its way to unvaccinated people. So far in July, nearly 90% of cases have been in people who were not fully vaccinated, according to the state health department.
The CDC shows about 44.6% of all Arizonans are fully vaccinated, compared with 48.8% of all Americans.
“In many ways, society has already decided it is done with the virus. The virus begs to differ,” LaBaer said.
He suggests steering away from crowds. If you can’t stay away from large groups, or socially distance, he suggests wearing a mask, especially if indoors.
Read the full story here from The Republic’s Stephanie Innes and Alison Steinbach.
Silver lining
As the Olympics began today in Tokyo, here’s a look at athletes hailing from Arizona.
Moment of zen: More rain is expected this weekend.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What’s different about Arizona’s latest surge