PHOENIX, AZ –  On Thursday, October 1st, the Arizona Department of Health Services announced all 15 counties in Arizona have met benchmarks for safely reopening businesses such as indoor gyms and fitness centers, bars serving food, and movie theaters.

Graham County advanced to the moderate transmission stage of COVID-19. This county joining all other Arizona counties. The exception of Greenlee County remains in the minimal stage.

Arizonians Have the State Reopening to this Milestone

“The choices Arizonians gotten in the interest of public health have got us to this milestone,” said ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ. “COVID-19 remains in our communities, so it’s essential that everyone continue masking up, maintaining physical distance, washing our hands thoroughly and often, and taking other steps to reduce the spread.” 

However, the Arizona department of health services reported 705 new cases of coronavirus on Oct. 1 and 24 additional deaths.

In addition, business benchmarks have stemmed from Governor Doug Ducey’s June 27 executive order. It paused some business reopening after Arizona became a national hotspot.

Pima and Coconino counties recently had an increased number of cases per capita. They were above the levels reducing that previously improvement on their overall classifications to moderate. The department’s announcement of the counties’ classifications did not mention those counties.

People can be Infected Without Feeling Sick

Since many people have not had the test, the number of infections can be far higher. Studies have shown people can get an infection from the virus without feeling sick.

Arizona’s seven-day continuing average of daily new cases dropped from 481 new cases on Sept. 16 to 460 on Sept. 30, According to Johns Hopkins University data analyzed by The Associated Press.

Meanwhile, the seven-day average of new deaths in the state rose slightly from just over 17 to just under 18.

For most people, COVID-19 causes mild or moderate symptoms. These symptoms include fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

For more information regarding the reopenings, click here.