After a few months of growth, job losses have returned to neighboring Sonora.
From February to August, the state shed roughly 40,000 formal jobs. Then came two months of growth, including a robust jump of nearly 12,000 in September.
But that streak is now over, with a fall of over 800 in November, according to the most recent federal data. Positions in Sonora’s significant informal sector are not included in the data
The growth largely came during months when pandemic measures were eased. But November also saw a sharp rise in confirmed cases. In response, restrictions on businesses have recently returned, with some — like bars and nightclubs — being forced to close in certain cities. Those that remain open have shortened hours and occupancy.
Fronteras Desk is a KJZZ project covering important stories in an expanse stretching from Northern Arizona deep into northwestern Mexico.