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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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.

According to data released Thursday, the agency reported 19 Oregon counties at high levels of community spread, 16 at medium and one at low. 

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.