US: Arizona braces for New Year spike as coronavirus surges

Arizona, struggling with the worst COVID-19 diagnosis rate in the U.S., reported 11,658 new infections and 197 more deaths Friday.

One in every 115 people in the state was diagnosed with the coronavirus from Dec. 30 to Wednesday. The rate is obtained by dividing a state's population by the number of new cases.

Following virus spikes in late December, the state's top health official says another spike is on the way. "We're still waiting, the spike from New Years will likely come this coming weekend. So we anticipate seeing another increase in the data," said Arizona Department of Health Services director Dr. Cara Christ during a briefing Friday.

The surge is stressing hospitals. There were 4,907 COVID-19 patients hospitalized Thursday, including a pandemic record 1,122 in intensive care, according to the state's coronavirus dashboard.

Arizona’s pandemic totals have reached 596,251 infections and 9,938 deaths. The true number of infections is likely much higher because not everyone is tested and some people can be infected without showing symptoms.

Meanwhile, Arizona's vaccination program entered a new phase. Several counties have expanded eligibility, now offering shots to police, teachers, child care workers and people 75 or older.

Those eligible in the first phase that began last month included health care workers and those who live and work at long-term care facilities.

Gov. Doug Ducey's office announced Friday that the federal government was providing Arizona with $65.8 million to bolster the state's vaccination program.