Arizona on Friday reported over 4,000 additional known COVID-19 cases for the second day in a row as the coronavirus outbreak saw hospitalizations continue to increase.

The state Department of Health Services reported 4,471 new cases and 43 additional deaths, increasing the state's totals to 291,696 cases and 6,427 deaths.

The number of reported infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.

The additional 4,000-plus daily new cases reported Thursday and Friday are near peaks recorded during Arizona's summer surge while current hospitalizations are about half those of summer surge levels.

Maricopa County is also seeing what an official is calling an “extreme” increase in COVID-19 cases.

Marcy Flanagan, executive director at Maricopa County Public Health, said Thursday the seven-day average is now 1,500 new cases per day. Just a month ago, it was under 500.

Flanagan said that while there are many things we can’t control, we can control our behavior.

"For example we know this weekend alone, there are nearly 800 youth sports teams coming to Maricopa County for competition. It’s important at these events to wear masks even when you’re outside and socially distance as much as possible," said Flanagan.

Flanagan also said Maricopa County is well positioned to store and administer a vaccine when one becomes available.

COVID-19-related hospitalizations in Arizona have climbed steadily since October and into November, reaching 1,835 as of Thursday, including 431 patients in intensive-care beds.

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.

Arizona Coronavirus Cases, Deaths

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