While COVID-19 cases are declining in Arizona and across much of the United States, there are worrying signs in neighboring Sonora.

Confirmed cases are on the rise in Sonora, with several recent daily totals as high as they have been since April. Data tracked by the University of Sonora show that weekly totals have now risen for two consecutive weeks.

Sonoran Health Secretary Enrique Clausen says that another troubling trend is the rise in hospital bed occupancy. It's a far cry from the first and second peaks, but heading in the wrong direction nevertheless.

The vaccination effort has been proceeding at a decent clip, but remains far behind neighboring Arizona. Inoculations of those between 40 and 49-years old only started earlier this month.