A Centers for Disease Control illustration of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Arizona on Thursday reported over 100 additional coronavirus deaths for the sixth time in nine days.
State public health officials urged caution to prevent the further spread of the virus in the state with the country's third-worst diagnosis rate over the past week. The state reported 7,046 additional known COVID-19 cases and 115 deaths, increasing its totals to 480,319 cases and 8,294 deaths.
Arizona had a record 4,221 people hospitalized for COVID-19 on Wednesday, the latest in series of pandemic records set this month. Only 8% of all hospital inpatient beds were available and not in use, including 7% of ICU beds.
The top doctor for Arizona's largest hospital chain says three of its Phoenix-area hospitals are operating above their typical capacity. Arizona's surging infections filled the beds at Banner Health's Thunderbird, Desert and University hospitals. Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Marjorie Bessel says Banner's intensive care units are at 160% of their typical winter peak.
The state on Wednesday reported more than 6,000 new COVID-19 cases in the seventh straight day with a number above 5,000. It's also continued to set records for COVID-19 hospitalizations. Only 8% of all hospital beds and 7% of adult intensive care unit beds are available in Arizona.
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