By Jon Johnson
GRAHAM AND GREENLEE COUNTIES – While other areas of the state report record setting new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, Graham and Greenlee counties’ cases continue to rise but at a much slower pace.
As of Sunday night, Graham County reported 65 total positive cases out of 1,349 tests given since the start of the pandemic and Greenlee County reported 15 cases. Greenlee County is also investigating multiple cases that won’t count for the county since the patients don’t live there but who have traveled or worked in Greenlee.
Still, Greenlee has the lowest number of cases overall and is one of the lowest per population as well. Graham County has the second lowest number of cases overall throughout the state and also is one of the lowest by population.
That news has perhaps given local politicians reason to not follow other municipalities and counties and mandate the use of masks while in public. However, the health departments in both counties still highly recommend doing so. The Safford City Council will discuss the matter at its regularly scheduled council meeting Monday night.
