COVID-19 cases have ramped up across the country in recent weeks.

Now, the latest CDC report shows the majority of Arizona counties have high community levels of the virus.

Eight counties — Apache, Cochise, Gila, Greenlee, La Paz, Navajo, Pima and Yuma — face high potential for health care system strain and a high level of severe illness. CDC guidelines say people there should mask up when indoors and use other safeguards.

The remainder of the state sits at medium levels, meaning people who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should talk to their healthcare providers regarding precautions.

The rising risk levels underline the need for people 5 and older to get the most up-to-date booster, which offers significant protection against more recent omicron variants.

Arizona currently numbers among the states with the most cases and highest rates of positive tests.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention