Arizona rural hospitals asking feds for COVID-19 staffing

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona is committing millions of dollars and asking the federal government for extra help as hospitals face a growing strain from rising COVID-19 caseloads and warn they are nearing their limits. Gov. Doug Ducey earmarked another $35 million aimed at helping hospitals staff their existing beds and discharge patients more quickly. His administration also asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for 133 people to bolster staffing at seven rural hospitals. The hospitals are all in more rural areas in western and southern Arizona. A department spokesman says the request is still under federal review. Meanwhile, the state reported 2,911 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 20 additional deaths.