Could the new coronavirus become the leading cause of death in Arizona?
During an update on the coronavirus pandemic, members of the Arizona State University COVID-19 modeling team warned that it is likely.
In an average year, about 12,000 Arizona residents die from heart disease, and another 12,000 die from cancer, said Dr. Josh LaBaer, executive director of the ASU Biodesign Institute, according to the local news station AZFamily . But coronavirus-related deaths in the state exceeded 10,855, according to current estimates. Therefore, COVID-19 may soon become the leading cause of death, he said.
“We are seeing an extraordinary number of new cases per day and this is a very scary position,” said LaBaer.
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To significantly slow the spread of the new virus in the state and, ultimately, see a reduction in coronavirus deaths, LaBaer said that at least 50% of residents will need to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
But vaccine launches in the state have been slow – as well as across the country.
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“I am a little concerned that everyone will be seduced by the fact that vaccines are starting to be released. But remember, the number of people being vaccinated now is minuscule. We are not vaccinating even close to the number of people that are needed. to have an impact on the spread of the virus in our community now, “said LaBaer, noting that about 80% of Arizon’s inhabitants will need to receive the vaccine to prevent a future coronavirus outbreak.