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United States has been witnessing a rapid rise in the number of coronavirus cases. Arizona reported 17 new cases on March 19, 2020 taking the total of the confirmed cases to 46 in the state. Maricopa county experienced a surge in the cases, doubling the cases overnight from 11 to 22.

All the latest reports surrounding the developments are available on the homepage of Arizona Department of Health Services which is being updated every single day to ensure better information transparency with the citizens.

The officials have clarified stating that with the increase in the testing and as more resources are available, it is likely that there is going to be a sharp increase in the number of cases in the upcoming days.

AZDHS Director Dr. Cara Christ, in a press conference in Phoenix stated saying, “We’re expecting additional cases, and we know there will be more confirmed cases as access to testing expands.”

Christ has also said that they are still running short on the testing kits. She said that in proportion to how many people want to get tested for the coronavirus, the state doesn’t have sufficient testing kits for the same.

Addressing that, Christ also urged people to stay indoors if they show mild symptoms. She asked the people to not rush to the emergency room if the same doesn’t counter as an emergency.

The state also reported its first positive case in Coconino County. Aside from that, the other confirmed cases include 10 in Pinal, 7 in Pima, 3 in Navajo and 1 in Graham.

The Maricopa County hasn’t reported any details surrounding the 11 new cases that have been reported recently.

Out of the 46 new cases, 28 were tested in the state labs and the rest in the private labs.

By Somapika Dutta