PHOENIX (AP) — Extreme temperatures across the Southwest and a record-breaking summer in Phoenix pose additional threats during the coronavirus pandemic, especially for people living on the street.
Public health officials in the Phoenix area reported 55 confirmed heat-related deaths so far this year with about 270 cases under investigation.
Weather experts expect the heat to continue having an impact.
Officials say the dangerous heat has been exacerbated by the pandemic as some heat relief locations have closed.
In response, Phoenix has opened a “heat respite center" in the south building of the Phoenix Convention Center to provide shelter from the weather while employing virus safety measures.
