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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday returned the three Central Oregon counties to high levels of COVID-19 community spread. 

According to data released Thursday, the agency reported 19 counties at high levels of community spread, 16 at medium and one at low. A week ago, the CDC listed 21 Oregon counties at high, 12 at medium and three at low.

Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties had been at medium levels of COVID-19 community spread since June 30, when they were listed at high for one week, according to CDC data.   

While COVID-19 hospitalizations have not reached nearly the levels of past surges, the Oregon Health Authority on Wednesday urged residents in counties listed at high COVID-19 levels to wear masks, primarily in an effort to reduce the strain on state hospitals, especially St. Charles Health System. 

The CDC monitors 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.

The agency listed the following levels for Central Oregon:

Deschutes County: High

Crook County: High

Jefferson County: High

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.