Pima County Reaches Substantial Risk Of Coronavirus Spread Again

TUCSON, AZ — Pima County has once again reached the 'substantial' phase of coronavirus spread, the Arizona Department of Health Services said Wednesday.

While the number of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths have been declining in the county and state for weeks, data revealed that 100 of every 100,000 Pima County residents are testing positive for the virus. That means that the county has gone from 'moderate' spread to 'substantial.' Coconino County in northern Arizona also reached the same milestone.

Arizona reported 323 new cases and 18 known deaths Wednesday. In Pima County, 59 cases and zero deaths were recorded. Nearly 8 percent of tests are returning positive.

According to the AZDHS website, falling back into the substantial category means businesses must remain closed until the moderate stage is reached. But at a Sept. 24 news conference, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said he would not shut down businesses again if cases were to spike.

“Arizona is open. Arizona’s economy is open, Arizona’s education institutions are open, Arizona’s tourism institutions are open," Ducey said. "The expectation is they are going to remain open. We are not, due to a gradual rise in cases be making any dramatic changes.”

Dr. Cara Christ, the AZDHS director, agreed as she predicted the slide into the substantial range in several Arizona counties. She said that "mitigation strategies" would be preferred over shutdowns.

In Pima County, some of the spread can be attributed to a rise in cases among University of Arizona students and staff. At least one off-campus housing complex was asked to quarantine after 45 cases were found. That quarantine ended Tuesday.

The most recent university testing data from Friday showed 36 new positives from 1,051 new tests.

University of Arizona President Robbin C. Robbins said the school would be willing to mandate students to shelter-in-place again if cases continued to rise.

"Recommendations for face coverings, physical distancing and other measures will continue to be the hallmark of our success," Robbins said Monday. "I encourage all of you – students, faculty, staff and other members of our southern Arizona community, including visitors to our campus – to continue following the rules so that we can protect one another and move forward."