Arizona Reports Lowest Coronavirus Cases Since March

ARIZONA — Arizona reported its lowest number of new coronavirus cases and known deaths since March 25 on Thursday, according to the most recent data from the Arizona Department of Health Services. The report comes as many rallied at the Capitol in sharp opposition to Gov. Doug Ducey's emergency orders to safeguard against the virus.

Arizona's total cases now number 206,045 and the state has seen 5,221 deaths from COVID-19.

The department of health services announced just 81 new cases and two known deaths Tuesday. It marks the first day since March 25 that the number of daily cases has dipped below 100. Arizona was previously considered a hotspot for the virus in June and July when daily cases often numbered in the thousands.

Only 11.2 percent of tests are returning positive, as of Tuesday, and hospitalizations continue to dwindle.

Ducey has warned that Arizonans can't get complacent as the pandemic continues, keeping some bars shut as most gyms, movie theaters and water parks were allowed to reopen on Aug. 27. The state is still encouraging everyone to wear a mask in public and social distance.

Patrick Ptak, a spokesman for Ducey, previously told Patch that the governor has had to make "tough decisions" in his response to the virus but that it's all in the name of public health.

"These executive authorities exist to protect public health, and the mitigation strategies set forward in the governor's executive order have clearly made a positive impact in combating COVID-19," Ptak said. "We will continue to prioritize protecting public health while following the constitution and state law."

But not everyone agrees with the governor's decisions.

About 100 mostly mask-free people gathered at the Arizona State Capitol Monday to call for a complete end to coronavirus restrictions in favor of strengthening the economy, the Arizona Republic reported.

There, Republican State Rep. John Fillmore compared mask mandates to Holocaust victims in Nazi Germany “when people on their own bodies were tattooed.”

"We all know this COVID issue is over," said State Rep. Kelly Townsend. "It's time to set down our fears. Enough is enough."