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Arizona health director Dr. Cara Christ urges preventative measures over stay-at-home order

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Posted at 9:30 AM, Jan 12, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-12 18:22:40-05

GLENDALE, AZ — Dr. Cara Christ, the director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, spoke with ABC15 Mornings Tuesday about the state's coronavirus response and vaccinations.

"We have been working to make that sure everyone knows how to prevent the transmission and to make sure we've got spaces for Arizonans to be treated," Dr. Christ said in response to whether she believes Arizona has done enough during the pandemic.

Watch the full interview in the video player above.

"We know every case is a person," Dr. Christ said. "We grieve every death...the best thing we can do is take those prevention measures."

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When asked whether she would suggest a stay-at-home order to Governor Doug Ducey to help prevent the spread, Dr. Christ said other states that have implemented stay-at-home measures are experiencing the spread of coronavirus like Arizona, which has not implemented that type of policy since spring 2020.

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Dr. Christ also said she is a "huge advocate" for having students in classrooms, but stressed the importance of having everyone safe, including teachers.

"I, as a mom, want my kids in school," Dr. Christ said.

Dr. Christ said she does not know anyone personally who has died from coronavirus complications 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 State Farm Stadium vaccination site, Dr. Christ said. As of Tuesday, the site is officially open to those eligible to receive a vaccine and they 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 vaccines per 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.