Coronavirus In Arizona: 6,417 New Cases, 1 Death

ARIZONA — As Arizona prepares to expand its vaccination reach, the state reported on Tuesday more than 6,400 new COVID-19 cases and one new death.

The updated numbers arrived the day the Arizona Department of Health Services opened up February appointments for its two mass vaccination sites in Phoenix: one at State Farm Stadium, the other at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The State Farm site opened last week and is functioning as a 24/7 vaccination center. Phoenix Municipal will open Feb. 1 and operate during daytime hours.

Health officials have said Arizonans will not need to book appointments for their second doses at the two state sites, as second doses will be reserved and guaranteed.

As of Wednesday afternoon, all February appointments at both state-run sites were booked.

Arizonans over the age of 65, educators and first responders are eligible to register for the two sites. Maricopa and Pima Counties are still focusing on Arizonans over the age of 75 as they determine dose availability.

Health officials said there were 6,417 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases. Arizona since the pandemic began has reported 673,882 cases and 11,266 known deaths. Meanwhile, the state’s COVID-19 hospitalizations have started to decline after spiking to record levels over the past week.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Arizona currently leads the nation with the highest seven-day average of daily cases per 100,000 people with 117.

As of Friday, more than 297,000 vaccine doses have been administered in Arizona to nearly 255,000 people. Just over 36,000 have received both doses.

The Associated Press contributed to this reporting.