GLENDALE, AZ – Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, spoke with ABC15 Tuesday morning about the state’s coronavirus response and vaccines.
“We’ve been working to make sure everyone knows how to prevent transmission and to make sure we have spaces for Arizona people to be treated,” Dr. Christ said in response to whether she believes Arizona has done enough during the pandemic. .
Watch the full interview on the video player above.
“We know every case is a person,” Dr. Christ said. “We mourn every death … the best we can do is take these preventative measures.”
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When asked if she would suggest a home stay order to Gov. Doug Ducey to help prevent the spread, Dr. Christ said other states that have implemented home stays are experiencing the spread of the coronavirus like Arizona. which has not implemented such a policy since the spring of 2020.
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Dr. Christ also said she is a “huge advocate” for having students in the classrooms, but stressed the importance of having everyone safe, including teachers.
“I, as a mother, want my kids in school,” Dr. Christ said.
Dr. Christ said she does not personally know anyone who has died from complications of the coronavirus and that her family has been taking precautions since the beginning of the pandemic.
The state has secured an additional 40,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines, which allowed health officials to open the Farm State vaccination site, Dr. Christ said. As of Tuesday, the site is officially open to those who can get a vaccine and are at full capacity.
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ADHS says as of 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, State Farm Stadium has been able to administer between 200 and 300 shots per hour. To date, more than 165,000 people have received the vaccine, including more than 12,000 people who have received both doses to complete the series.