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These 6 Washington counties should wear masks indoors again, CDC says

Face mask requirements are posted at the various entrances at the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium where COVID-19 vaccinations are being offered on the Jackson State University campus in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, July 27, 2021. The university has similar signage posted throughout the campus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new recommendations that vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging and also recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – People in six Washington counties should begin wearing masks indoors in public and on public transportation again, according to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The latest information from the CDC shows that Lewis County, Pacific County, Thurston County, Grays Harbor County, Garfield County and Spokane County all have COVID-19 community levels rated “high,” meaning they have had 200 or more new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days, or they’ve had more than 20 new COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 people within a seven-day period. 

The numbers below show the most recent data the CDC has from each county and why they qualify as having high COVID-19 community levels. 

With COVID-19 levels this high, the CDC says anyone at risk for severe illness in these communities should consider taking additional precautions besides simply wearing a mask, like staying 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and washing their hands often.  

Pacific County Public Health & Human Service posted to social media Wednesday acknowledging its COVID-19 community level is high. 

“We strongly recommend wearing face coverings for indoor settings and public transportation to help reduce the potential spread,” the county health department wrote. 

Pacific County residents can pick up N95 masks and at-home test kits for free at any Timberland Library or health department in the county.