/ Modified jun 24, 2020 3:09 p.m.

ADHS: Reviews of records cause spike in COVID-19 death tally

Arizona broke a single-day record, but the state says that's mostly due to a method for analyzing previous deaths.

PHOENIX — Arizona on Tuesday reported 79 additional deaths from COVID-19. That's a significant increase from recently reported daily increases in the death toll, but health officials said two-thirds of the latest daily tally resulted from analysis of deaths not previously identified as resulting from COVID-19.

The state Department of Health Services also reported 1,795 additional cases, raising the state’s total to 59,974. The case increase was smaller than those reported on other recent days, including a record 3,591 Tuesday. Arizona has emerged as a hot spot since Gov. Doug Ducey lifted stay-home orders in May.

The department reported 2,270 people were hospitalized Tuesday because of COVID-19, up from 2,136 Monday.

The number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care beds dropped to 581 Tuesday from a record 614 Monday.

Arizona COVID-19 cumulative counts, Dec. 14

Cases: 420,248 | Deaths: 7,358
The state reported 11,806 more cases and 1 deaths on this day. Choose a Layerlayer and click on county for more.
Credit: Nick O'Gara/AZPM. Sources: ADHS, county health departments, Census 2018 Quick Facts. *Test numbers and rates utilize total test numbers (diagnostic and serology). Cumulative totals are based daily numbers posted by the state. Daily changes don't necessarily reflect the previous 24 hours.
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