Arizona reports no new COVID-19 deaths as toll nears 16,000

PHOENIX (AP) - Gov. Doug Ducey and state health officials announced Monday a new hybrid approach that provides Arizonans age 55 and older eligibility along with front-line essential workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The state Department of Health Services is opening 50,000 appointments Tuesday at two state-run sites - State Farm Stadium in Glendale and Phoenix Municipal Stadium - for the lowered age eligibility group.

Appointments will start Thursday with registration available through the state health department’s website.

“As more vaccine reaches Arizona, we will continue refining our plan to maximize the benefits of this still-limited resource,” state health director Dr. Cara Christ said in a statement. “Moving to a hybrid approach will allow us to rapidly and efficiently administer the vaccine and provide all Arizonans with a clearer estimate of when they will be eligible to be vaccinated.”

Since vaccine distribution began in December, authorities said more than 1.8 million doses have been administered and about 600,000 Arizonans have received both shots.

Meanwhile, Arizona on Monday reported no new COVID-19-related deaths as the state’s overall death toll approaches 16,000.

The latest figures included 1,039 more confirmed virus cases, bringing the state’s overall total case number to 817,821 and the number of known deaths to 15,979.

The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.

According to the state’s coronavirus dashboard, the number of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 inpatients in the state’s hospitals decreased to 1,241 on Sunday, the fewest since early November.

The number of ICU beds used by COVID-19 patients stood at 382.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Sunday that Arizona was tied for fourth in the nation for COVID-19 deaths per capita over the last seven days with one death daily per 100,000 people.