Weekly COVID-19 cases in Tucson and the state are increasing to breaking news for the first time this year

“It stands to reason that there is a vaccine effect and vaccines reduce transmission in the most commonly vaccinated group,” he said, pointing out that vaccines for people 65 and over should be given priority.

Despite the recent surge in weekly cases, health experts are optimistic about winning the race between the vaccine and the virus that causes COVID-19.

Nationwide, according to the ADHD table for vaccine administration, around 20% of people were fully vaccinated on Saturday. And 30% received at least one dose of the vaccine.

About 20% of the Pima County’s population have also been fully vaccinated, with 30% receiving at least one dose.

Following Governor Doug Ducey’s decision on March 25 to fully reopen the state and deprive local governments of the ability to implement mask mandates, Gerald anticipates cases will rise for a while, largely due to changes in behavior the public, but also due to new, more contagious variants of the virus.

“This is not a terrible surprise, given the governor’s actions and people’s normal response to improving conditions,” he said, adding that another wave of cases would likely be smaller, with fewer hospitalizations and fewer deaths.

Pima County’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Francisco Garcia said on March 30 the county will not lift its mask mandate, citing the recent surge in cases as a “worrying” reason not to do so.

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