Elderly, Men, and Indigenous Lead Arizona COVID-19 Death Count

The state’s new dashboard provides more detailed demographic information on COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths.

As of Monday morning, Arizona is up to 3,702 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 122 deaths, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). 

Starting Sunday, the state released more detailed demographic information about the spread of the coronavirus that suggests a heavy toll among the elderly, men, and Native Americans.

Out of the 122 deaths from the virus, 84 were people aged 65 or older, and men accounted for 62% of the death toll. Additionally, White/Non-Hispanic lead the number of deaths thus far at 25%, followed by Native Americans at 15%. 

COVID-19 infections have spread with ferocity through the Navajo Nation, which extends across portions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. A first-time weekend curfew was in place across the Navajo Nation to limit the virus’ spread.

Health officials also released infection data by zip code along with the statewide availability of healthcare resources including ventilator breathing machines, as confirmed coronavirus infections across Arizona continue to rise.

Officials cautioned that a map of infection tallies by zip code should not be used to determine current risk of transmission because the statistics represent a two-month period in which patients may have already recovered and are no longer infectious.

The state is also now publishing updates on statewide healthcare capacity and the current utilization of emergency room beds, inpatient beds, intensive care beds, and ventilators in hospitals.

“This is data we are monitoring closely as it shows us where we need to focus our efforts to increase capacity,” the Department of Health Services said in a statement. “The information is now posted on our dashboard and demonstrates that right now, there is capacity within our healthcare system to handle an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations.”

At last count Sunday, there were 1,023 intensive care beds in use and 984 intensive care beds still available. The state had 365 ventilators in use and 1,174 available.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.