LA GRANDE — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monitors 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 reported new COVID-19 cases in an area.

The CDC listed the following levels for Eastern Oregon as of Tuesday, June 21:

• Union County: Medium
• Baker County: Medium
• Wallowa County: Medium
• Umatilla County: Low
• Malheur County: Medium

The CDC recommends staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Those who have symptoms should get tested.

For communities with medium levels, additional precautions are issued for those at high risk for severe illness, including talking to a health care provider about the need to wear a mask.