For the week ending September 20th, 4048 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed in Arizona, representing a 32% increase over last week. Last week was the first week-over-week increase since late June. While half of the increase is attributable to those 15 – 24 years of age, trends among other age groups are increasing too. Viral transmission is beginning to increase broadly in Arizona, but particularly among university-age individuals in Maricopa, Pima, and Coconino counties.
While current levels of viral transmission are comparable to those of mid-to-late May, history shows that increases can compound quickly; and once momentum builds, it can be difficult to stop.