GLENDALE, AZ – Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, spoke with ABC15 Mornings on Tuesday about the state’s response to coronavirus and vaccinations.
“We have been working to ensure that everyone knows how to prevent transmission and to ensure that we have space for Arizonans to be treated,” said Dr. Christ in response to whether she believes Arizona did enough during the pandemic.
Watch the full interview in the video player above.
“We know that each case is a person,” said Dr. Christ. “We regret every death … the best thing we can do is to take these preventive measures.”
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When asked if she would suggest an order to stay at home to Governor Doug Ducey to help prevent the spread, Dr. Christ said that other states that have implemented stay-at-home measures are experiencing the spread of the coronavirus, such as Arizona, that does implemented this type of policy since spring 2020.
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Dr. Christ also said that she is a “big proponent” of having students in the classroom, but stressed the importance of having everyone safe, including teachers.
“I, as a mother, want my children at school,” said Dr. Christ.
Dr. Christ said she does not know anyone personally who has died of coronavirus complications and that her family has taken precautions since the pandemic began.
The state guaranteed 40,000 additional doses of coronavirus vaccines, which allowed health officials to open the State Farm Stadium vaccination site, said Dr. Christ. As of Tuesday, the site is officially open to those eligible to receive the vaccine and are at full capacity.
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ADHS reported that as of 12:01 pm on Tuesday, State Farm Stadium has been able to deliver between 200 and 300 vaccines an hour. So far, more than 165,000 people have received the vaccine, including more than 12,000 people who have received both doses to complete the series.