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Central Oregon counties remained at medium levels Thursday for the spread of COVID-19, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised the levels for several surrounding counties to high. 

The CDC reported Lake, Klamath, Lane and Wasco counties at high levels of community spread. In total nine counties are reported at high levels, up from two several days ago. 

The agency monitors community levels of COVID-19 to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.

For Central Oregon, the CDC listed the following levels:

Deschutes County: Medium

Crook County: Medium

Jefferson County: Medium

Precautions the CDC recommends for communities with low levels:

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.

• Get tested if you have symptoms.

Additional precautions for communities with medium levels:

• If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your health care provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions.