PHOENIX — Arizona Governor Doug Ducey says the number of COVID-19 cases in the state "continue to go in the wrong direction."
At an afternoon news conference Thursday, the governor outlined a number of concerning statistics regarding the spread of the virus in Arizona. Ducey highlighted the record number of cases confirmed in the state in recent weeks, record-high COVID-19 hospitalizations, record-high percentages of positive tests reported and more.
Ducey stressed the importance of wearing masks in public to limit the spread of COVID-19 and several times stressed to Arizonans: You're safer at home.
Ducey stopped short of issuing any new guidance or recommendations for businesses or individuals across the state.
"Bad actors"
While the governor did stress that the "vast majority" of Arizonans and businesses are following social distancing and health guidelines, he acknowledged a number of "bad actors" in the state.
At Thursday's news conference, Ducey highlightedrecent charges filed against Scottsdale bar Riot House for not following health guidelines. A slide behind the governor at the news conferenced showed the names of several other Scottsdale businesses that have been warned to begin following social distances guidelines and mask protocols before their liquor licenses are revoked.
The governor also highlighted the growth of cases of the virus among younger demographics, with the majority of new cases among those ages 20-44.
Watch the full news conference in the player below:
Thursday's news conference with the governor was the first since he gave permission for all local governments to implement individual mask mandates.
Health officials in Arizona also announced Thursday that the state has fewer than 200 ICU beds available.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, there are 63,030 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state.
