Coconino County health officials report a return to high COVID-19 transmission rate.
In the county’s most recent weekly virus summary, the percentage of positive tests had climbed to more than 11% during the week of July 18-24.
Last week, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention recommended that fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors if they live in areas with high or substantial transmission rates. The agency also recommends masking for all teachers, staff and students in K-through-12 schools regardless of vaccination status.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, just under half of Coconino County residents have been fully vaccinated.
Officials attribute the worsening spread of COVID-19 nationwide to the ultra-contagious Delta variant along with low vaccination rates.