COVID-19 infections are increasing or likely increasing in 25 U.S. states, according to new modeling from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention covering the week that ended July 8. The agency said roughly half of the country now shows upward trends, with the West Coast, Southeast and South accounting for most of the growth. California is already recording a measurable uptick that local health officials say may signal the start of a summer wave. The CDC also flagged rising case trajectories in Mississippi and Pennsylvania, among other states. Despite the regional flare-ups, the CDC continues to classify overall national COVID-19 activity as “low,” noting hospitalizations and deaths remain far below previous surges. The agency advises that vaccination and updated booster coverage remain the most effective tools to limit severe outcomes as the summer travel season progresses.