A top state health official said Wednesday that she expects the peak of coronavirus cases in Arizona to happen in April.

Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ said during a press conference that current modeling has indicated a peak of COVID-19 cases will occur by either mid-April or the end of the month.

Christ added that peak hospitalizations will likely happen in May as a result.

“Our recommendation is individuals social distance,” Christ said. “If they are sick, stay home. If they are high risk, stay home. We’ll continue to evaluate the data and make recommendations to keep individuals safe.”

Christ said it’s possible the modeling could change and adjust the time virus cases are expected to peak in the state.

Coronavirus cases in the state have increased significantly in the past several days as testing has become more readily available.

Arizona reported 508 COVID-19 cases as of Thursday morning, including eight deaths.

“The idea is to reduce the number of deaths and reduce the number of illnesses,” Gov. Doug Ducey said. “That’s what we are focused on every day. That’s what the decisions have been to date and that’s what they will continue to be.”

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