/ Modified mar 21, 2020 8:26 a.m.

Coronavirus cases in Arizona climb, first death reported

Members of the Arizona National Guard have been activated to help with food distribution.

PHOENIX (AP) — About 200 members of the Arizona National Guard have been activated to help with food distribution, as daily life becomes increasingly restricted by efforts to contain the coronavirus.

Arizona and Maricopa County public health officials Friday evening reported the state's first death from the virus, a man in his 50s with underlying health problems.

Earlier in the day Gov. Doug Ducey extended school closures, delayed the tax filing deadline and made it easier to file for unemployment. The head of the National Guard in Arizona, Maj. General Michael McGuire, said the operation is still largely in the planning phase and more guardsmen will probably hit the streets next week.

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