By Jon Johnson
GRAHAM COUNTY – With the reopening of the state, the positive tests for COVID-19 has increased exponentially, including in Graham County.
On Tuesday, the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services reported 618 new positive tests for the virus, while Graham County Department of Health and Human Services reported five new cases, bringing the county’s total to 45 since the start of the pandemic.
Of the five new cases, three are associated to the latest cluster, which has seen three deaths (one in Greenlee County) and two of the new positive tests are still being investigated. The new cases include two from Safford and Thatcher each, as well as one from the San Carlos Apache Reservation. All known close contacts have been notified and placed on quarantine until cleared by the health department.
The ages of all of Graham County’s cases are 10 under the age of 20, five of whom are between 21-34 years old, 18 between 35-60 years old, and 12 who are 65 years old or older.
To date, Graham County has tested 666 patients with 21 tests still pending results.
Testing Blitz
Canyonlands Healthcare, in conjunction with the Graham County Department of Health Services and Greenlee County Health Department, will hold a drive-through COVID-19 testing blitz Saturday, June 13, from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The blitz will take place at its Safford location at 2016 W. 16th St. No appointment is required.
Those interested in taking a test should drive to the location and stay in their vehicle. Paperwork will be brought to the vehicle and after it is filled out those being tested will be given a nasal swab.
The test will take several days before results are available either. For more information, call Canyonlands Healthcare at 428-1500 or the Graham County Department of Health Services at 428-0110.