Graham County COVID-19 positive tests jump to 33 with five new cases

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

SAFFORD – The latest cluster of new COVID-19 positive tests in Graham County continues to grow with five new positives reported Saturday evening, bringing the total cases to 33 for the totality of the pandemic to date.

Of the five new cases, three are related to the most recent cluster and two are still under investigation. Four of the cases live in Safford and one is a San Carlos Apache tribal member, according to the Graham County Department of Health and Human Services.

All known close contacts have been notified and placed on quarantine. Out of all the cases, seven are under the age of 20, two are 21-34 years old, 14 are 35-60 years old, and 10 are 65 years old or older. Two patients in their 70s and 90s with underlying health conditions have died.

Graham County has tested 534 people for COVID-19, with 16 results still pending.

General things that everyone should do to prevent the spread of all respiratory illnesses include:

● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
● Stay home when you are sick.
● Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
● Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular EPA registered household cleaning spray or wipes.
● Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
● Wear a facemask when in public.
● When shopping, limit the number of people who you take with you. If possible, pick one person from your household to do the shopping.
● Find up to date information at azhealth.gov/COVID-19 and at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html