Maricopa County Leads New AZ Coronavirus Cases, Deaths Tuesday

PHOENIX — More than half of the new coronavirus cases reported in Arizona Tuesday occurred in Maricopa County, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported Tuesday.

Nearly 70 percent of Tuesday's newly reported coronavirus-related deaths also happened in Maricopa County, according to AZDHS.

Across the state, 3,591 more people tested positive for the virus and 42 deaths from the virus were reported on Tuesday. Of those, 2,233 cases and 29 deaths occurred in Maricopa County.

The county's totals now stand at 33,883 cases and 663 deaths.

Based on Monday's state data, hospitals across Arizona are at 84 percent capacity in their ICU units, and 83 percent of general inpatient beds are occupied.

Amid rising case numbers, Gov. Doug Ducey last week rolled out restrictions aimed at businesses and restaurants.

Businesses are now required to enforce social distancing and screen their employees for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to each shift. Restaurants are also now required to enforce social distancing and practice certain sanitization measures.

The new requirements mark Ducey's first issuance of requirements for businesses since his stay-at-home order expired in May.

"There will be enforcement, and they will be held accountable," Ducey said about Arizona businesses, according to The Arizona Republic.

In an effort to quell further spread of the virus, the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County both issued mandates requiring residents to wear face coverings when in public and when social distance is difficult or impossible to achieve.

Residents are discouraged from wearing N95 respirator-grade masks, but bandanas, cloths, scarves and non-medical masks are permitted.Phoenix mayor Kate Gallego said masks help prevent community spread of the new coronavirus only when everyone comes together and wears them.

“Community spread is accelerating in Arizona at speeds that should concern everyone,” Gallego said in a statement. “It will take the entire community coming together to protect all who live, work and play in our city. Scientists say wearing a simple face covering is something we must do to slow the spread – and Phoenix is listening.”

Read more: Trump To Address Rally Crowd In Phoenix Tuesday

On Tuesday afternoon, President Donald Trump is set to address a crowd at the Dream City Church auditorium, despite Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations that large crowds be avoided.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said the city will not be focused on enforcing mask usage during the rally.

Gallego said in an interview on CNN that if Trump chooses not to wear a mask, "we're not going to cite the President of the United States, but we would ask our elected officials and other types of leaders to lead by example."

The CDC recommends that masks be worn when in public settings, and research shows face coverings can drastically decrease the spread of the new coronavirus.

The rally kicks off at 1:30 p.m., MST, and Trump is expected to take the stage at 3:40 p.m. According to AZ Family, rally goers will have their temperature checked before entering the auditorium, and hand sanitizing stations will be set up in the church.