Arizona Reports Lowest Coronavirus Cases Since June

ARIZONA — The coronavirus isn't done with Arizona yet, but it looks to be slowing down. The state reported its lowest number of new cases since June.

The Arizona Department of Health Services announced 680 new coronavirus cases and just 33 known deaths from the virus Thursday. Arizona has now surpassed 200,000 cases since the start of the pandemic and deaths are just shy of 5,000. Emergency room visits, hospitalizations with a COVID-like illness and ventilator use has been trending down for weeks, according to state data.

But the department of health services is urging people not to get complacent.

"It is essential that we all keep doing our part to prevent the spread of illness: Wear a mask when in public, physically distance, and stay home when sick," the organization tweeted Thursday morning.

The new numbers mean that shuttered businesses can begin to reopen in several counties. As of today, a total of eight counties — Apache, Cochise, Coconino, La Paz, Maricopa, Navajo, Pima and Yavapai — are in the moderate transmission level. Greenlee County has reached the minimal transmission level. The remaining counties are heading in the right direction, said Dr. Cara Christ, department of health services director.

Businesses like gyms, bars serving food, and indoor theaters will now begin the process to reopen. Bars without food will remain closed for the foreseeable future. Dozens have already reopened after having applications approved by the state. But Arizona will rely on its residents to ensure businesses are complying with safety precautions so the state doesn't experience another surge in coronavirus cases.

"If you believe a business isn’t following these requirements, which were established for the safety of customers, employees, and the broader public, you can share your concerns so local and state officials can follow up as needed," Christ wrote in a blog post after the data was released.

Anyone wishing to submit a complaint about a business can do so online or by calling the COVID-19 Compliance Hotline at 1-844-410-2157.