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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised the COVID-19 community levels Thursday to high for Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson and 12 other Oregon counties.

The increasing spread means 24 Oregon counties are now at high levels of community spread.  Nine counties were at high levels as of June 23.

All other Oregon counties were listed Thursday at medium levels. 

It’s the first time all three Central Oregon counties have been ranked at high levels since restrictions were removed in March.  

The CDC has been monitoring 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.

Precautions the CDC recommends for communities with high levels:

• Wear a mask indoors in public

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.

• Get tested if you have symptoms.

• Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness.