Total number of COVID-19 cases in Arizona surpasses 20,000

Arizona health officials are reporting the state’s total number of COVID-19 cases is now past 20,000 along with nearly a dozen new deaths.

The state Department of Health Services confirmed 187 additional cases with 11 more known deaths as of Monday, increasing the total number of cases statewide to 20,123 and the total number of deaths to 917.

The increases are being reported in the wake of increased testing and of Gov. Doug Ducey’s lifting of some lockdown orders that closed many businesses and other establishments.

Ducey has said Arizona’s health care system can care for any virus patients and has enough hospital beds and ventilators available.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.