By Jon Johnson
jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com
GRAHAM AND GREENLEE COUNTIES – The number of positive COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Graham and Greenlee counties.
On Saturday night, Graham County reported 13 new cases to bring its total since the start of the pandemic to 140, and Greenlee County reported four new cases to bring their total to 25.
For Graham County, the new cases include eight from Safford, two from a part of the San Carlos Reservation that is in Graham County, and one case each from Thatcher, Pima, and Fort Thomas.
All known close contacts of the new cases have been notified and placed on quarantine until cleared by the health department.
To date, Graham County has performed 1,707 tests with 140 positive results. Of those, 104 are considered currently active cases, with 33 recovered cases, and three deaths.
In Greenlee County, its health department is also investigating multiple cases where patients will not be counted for Greenlee County due to their permanent addresses being in other counties. Any individuals who have been identified as being potentially exposed to the new cases will be contacted directly.
In the meantime, both health departments encourage the public to follow guidelines from the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.
“We would like to remind the community to use masks appropriately when outside of the home, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and do not go into the public when you are feeling sick, unless you are seeking medical attention,” said Greenlee County Health Director Steve Rutherford.
