In the last two weeks, 47 states have reported increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations, including almost 400 new hospitalizations in Arizona.

Pima County has also seen an uptick in cases, says county health director Theresa Cullen.

“I believe that we are seeing accelerated transmission, based on what we call our epi-curve, where we’re seeing an increase in the number of cases per 100,000, per week, and this positivity rate,” said Cullen.

Cullen says the reported case rate is likely lower than the actual number because at-home positive tests do not count towards the statistics unless reported.

Since last week, Pima County has reported around 150 new cases per 100,000 people, and a positivity rate between 12% and 16%.

Cullen says these numbers could go up in the coming weeks, as the state’s summer heat leads more people to spend time in indoor spaces.

“We have, previously, in the last month, speculated that that increase would occur the end of May into mid-June. I do expect that the case rate will continue to increase in the next few weeks,” said Cullen.

Cullen encourages indoor masking in social situations and says, if you qualify, to schedule an appointment to get a second COVID-19 booster shot.