Trump to laud Arizona as success of virus 'embers' strategy

President Donald Trump is set to host Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey at White House on Wednesday, as he points to state as a model for nation for dressing “embers" of coronavirus.

state, like much of Sun Belt region, began experiencing a severe spike in COVID-19 cases after Memorial Day holiday, as states' aggressive reopening plans coincided with an increase in travel. A senior White House official said Trump planned to highlight surge in government resources and personnel to state once federal officials observed an uptick in Arizona's test positivity rate — a critical early warning sign of spreing infection.

official, who spoke on condition of anymity to preview president's remarks, said Trump was to highlight state's efforts to encour face covering and discour indoor dining and garing at bars as examples for or states to follow when y experience what Trump has called “embers" of outbreak. nation set daily records for new cases as Sun Belt spre intensified.

federal government also sent ditional personnel to Arizona to assist medical professionals in treating cases, as well as doses of rapeutics like anti-viral drug remdesivir.

official said Trump would credit those efforts with a reduction in new cases, hospitalizations and mortality over last several weeks, saying Republican-led state, was a model for or states in managing upticks while continuing ir reopening plans.