“Worse times are ahead,” said Joe Gerald, an associate professor and public health researcher at the University of Arizona who has been part of an academic team providing projections to the state health department. In other states, like Arizona, positive test rates are outpacing the increase in testing, suggesting testing is not behind the rise. But as states like Arizona and Arkansas reopen, local officials have found their hands tied by state restrictions. We can’t do additional health restrictions on things such as masking,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego (D), who is prioritizing messaging urging people to wear masks and social distance. The White House has expressed concern about rising cases in North Carolina, where hospitalizations continue to rise and the state reported 1,011 new cases Wednesday.

Source: Washington Post June 11, 2020 00:30 UTC