VIDEO: Arizona has reported a record number of additional COVID-19 deaths along with new hospitalization highs as cases surge in the state with the fastest-growing rate of new infections.
The Department of Health Services on Tuesday reported 253 more deaths, exceeding the previous one-day record of 172 in July. The state also reported more than 5,900 additional COVID-19 cases, raising the state’s totals since the pandemic began to 567,474 cases and 9,317 deaths.
The department said the additional deaths included 215 newly attributed to COVID-19 through reviews of death certificates. A record 4,789 COVID-19 patients occupied hospital beds Monday.
Pete Phimphavong is among the thousands of grieving families in Arizona. He told ABC15 his mom, Lam, 80, died at a Valley hospital on New Year's day following a battle with COVID-19.