Arizona COVID-19 hospitalizations plunge by 14%; ventilator usage drops by 25%

Reported coronavirus hospitalizations plunged in Arizona on Friday, falling 14% in the state's first reduction in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in over a week. 

A total 2,110 coronavirus patients statewide were listed as hospitalized on Thursday per the Arizona coronavirus dashboard, dropping from 2,453 on Wednesday. The dashboard's data is on a one-day lag. 

That's the most significant drop in COVID-positive inpatients in Arizona since the state started keeping track in early April, according to the dashboard data. It also breaks a 10-day steady increase in hospitalized patients in the state, part of a steady uptick Arizona has had since the second week of June. 

Arizona has received national attention in recent weeks as one of several states with worrisome coronavirus trends. Texas, California and Florida have also been noted for their increasing case rates, though deaths in those states have remained largely flat. 

The number of ventilators being used by "positive or suspected COVID-19 patients" dropped even more steeply, falling 25% from 415 patients to 312, Arizona numbers show.

COVID-19 patients in the state's ICU wards also fell, though by a more modest 4.9%, from 611 to 581. Overall, discharges of coronavirus patients jumped by 23% compared to Wednesday.

In addition, deaths in Arizona have been plunging since June 15, according to the dashboard, though the system notes that "recent deaths may not be reported yet," suggesting those numbers could increase as more data becomes available.

Correction: This post has been updated to reflect that the drop was reflected in data pulled from Thursday, not Friday