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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranked seven more Oregon counties Thursday at high levels of COVID-19 community spread than last week, but Central Oregon counties remained at the medium level.

According to data released Thursday, the agency reported 21 counties at high, 12 at medium and 3 at low levels of community spread. 

A week ago, 14 Oregon counties were reported at high, 15 at medium and 7 at low.

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: Medium

Crook County: Medium

Jefferson County: Medium

Precautions the CDC recommends 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.

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines

• Get tested if you have symptoms