Arizona Reported No New COVID-19 Deaths Today

Plus, the White Mountain Apache Tribe reported its first COVID-19-related death over the weekend, and 5,000 Valley first responders will receive antibody testing.

Arizona is now up to 6,716 confirmed COVID-19 cases; however, the state reported no new deaths for Monday.

This is an improvement from last week, which averaged about 20 confirmed deaths a day with new data provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services. However, it still remains unclear how many people have died at home due to the virus.

Overall, the state health department reported 275 confirmed COVID-19- related deaths, with an added 1,732 new tests conducted.

One of those deaths is a first for the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

ABC15 reported a female resident of the tribe in her 80s, who is believed to have caught the virus from a previously known case, passed away on Sunday.

“The White Mountain Apache Tribe extends our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the deceased during this time of loss,” said Chairwoman Gwendena Lee-Gatewood in a statement.

Arizona tribal communities, especially the Navajo Nation, continue to face uncertainties throughout the pandemic with agencies, groups, and even celebrities making donations to help.

RELATED: Arizona Coronavirus Deaths Jump to 21 in One Day

Resolution Copper and the United Food Bank delivered 75,000 meals to White Mountain Apache Tribe last week. The delivery was the largest mobile food distribution in United Food Bank’s 35-year history. 

The week prior, St. Mary’s helped 2,000 Navajo families with food bank donations, which was also recorded as its largest single donation ever reported.

Assistance is not just hitting the tribal communities.

RELATED: Arizona Coronavirus News: Food Bank Feeds 2,000 Families on Navajo Nation

On Monday, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA) and United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association began providing their members with testing for COVID-19 antibodies at three locations in the Phoenix metro area, according to PR Newswire. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Phoenix Suns Charities donated $80,000 total used to purchase 5,000 test kits for first responders, which will help determine if they have been exposed to coronavirus, how it impacts first responders and the virus spread, and if they have developed antibodies for the disease.

The kits will be used to test the 2,262 Phoenix Police Department members of PLEA and the 2,500 members of the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association, which represents firefighters from Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, Peoria, Chandler and Surprise.

“As first responders, we take a pledge to serve our communities, but we must also strive to protect our families when we come home after our shift,” said Phoenix Fire Chief Kara Kalkbrenner in a statement.

According to the Newswire report, first responders who have COVID-19 antibodies can choose to donate plasma or blood to those fighting COVID-19 infection within the Arizona community.

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