Pence Praises AZ Coronavirus Plan Amid Record-High Cases, Deaths

PHOENIX, AZ — Vice President Mike Pence touched down in Phoenix Wednesday as the state reported 4,878 new coronavirus cases and 88 deaths — both single-day records. Pence, who was joined by members of the White House coronavirus force, praised the work of medical providers and expressed "strong support" for Gov. Doug Ducey.

"The reason why we're here is because of the rising number of cases in Arizona," Pence told reporters after meeting with Ducey and health officials. "It's very clear we have community spread in this state and across much of the Sun Belt."

Pence's trip to Arizona had previously been scheduled around Tuesday's "Faith in America" Trump campaign event in Tucson. Pence ultimately cancelled that appearance, along with events scheduled in Florida and Texas. In those states, as in Arizona, the surges of new coronavirus cases in the Sun Belt are raising alarms and drawing scrutiny to the actions of their respective governors.

In a prepared speech, Pence praised the U.S. response to the coronavirus outbreak and the performance of President Donald Trump.

"President Trump asked us to be here today," Pence said. "With cases rising dramatically, not just here in Maricopa County, but all across Arizona, we wanted to be here to get a report from the ground."

During his remarks, Pence urged Arizonans to wear masks and practice "common sense personal hygiene." He also said that he'd instructed the department of Homeland Security secretary to commit 500 medical staff — including doctors and nurses — to the bolstering resources at Arizona hospitals.

Those resources are increasingly under pressure. State health officials reported Wednesday that ICU beds are at 89 percent of full capacity. On Monday, Ducey announced a "pause" in the state's reopening plan amid the spike in cases. Bars, nightclubs and movie theaters are ordered closed for at least 30 days. For school, the start of in-person classes has been delayed to August 17.

During Wednesday's news conference, Pence said the White House supports Ducey's measures.

"President Trump and I fully support the responsible steps he's taken, to limit large gatherings, to pause operations at bars and gyms, movie theaters and water parks, and to delay the start of school," he said. "We want to encourage every Arizonan to adhere to the guidance that Governor Ducey has egov has issued and also the guidance of local authorities."

Earlier this week, Pence named Arizona among four states — with Texas, Florida, and California — sat hose generating the majority of the cases" in the latest surge of coronavirus across the country.

Read also:

• AZ Reports Single-Day Record For Coronavirus Cases, Deaths
• AZ Coronavirus: Ducey Orders 30-Day 'Pause' As Cases Spike
• Church Trump Rally Used Air System Not Tested On COVID-19
• Phoenix Passes Ordinance Requiring Masks In Public
• AZ Mask Sign: If You Kill Your Grandmother, We'll Buy Her Clothes