Health Department warns of COVID-19 case uptick

File photo by Kasey Brammell/Cronkite News: Experts believe COVID-19 cases are underreported, in part because at-home tests might not show up in data, unlike the rapid test administered in Phoenix in this 2019 file photo.

File photo by Kasey Brammell/Cronkite News: The Graham County Health Department is reporting an increase in local COVID-19 cases. Free testing kits will be available at upcoming festivals in Downtown Safford.

Strain is contagious but with mild symptoms

Staff Reports

GRAHAM COUNTY – The Graham County Health Department has issued a media advisory regarding a local increase in COVID-19 cases. 

According to the health department, while this particular strain is very contagious, its symptoms are “generally mild” and so far there have been no hospitalizations from this variant reported. 

Those who test positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to isolate for five days from the beginning of symptoms and wear a mask around others for an additional five days to help curb the spread. 

Free self-test kits will be available during the SalsaFest celebration in Downtown Safford this weekend, as well as other Downtown events such as the Harvest Festival. Self-test kits are also generally available at local pharmacies, such as Palo Verde Health Services in Pima. 

The Graham County Health Department will have an updated monovalent COVID-19 vaccine available beginning in early October. Those with any questions can call the health department at (928) 428-0110.