The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated Butler County as having a high COVID-19 community level late Thursday.

The county infection rate is updated weekly, and is determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area, according to its website.

Upon announcing the high level designation, the CDC recommends that individuals wear a mask indoors or in public, stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, and get tested if they have symptoms. People with a high risk for severe illness are also advised to take additional precautions.

Allegheny, Beaver and Westmoreland counties also have been designated at high COVID-19 community levels. The CDC is reporting Armstrong, Mercer, Venango and Washington counties as medium COVID-19 community level.

Clarion and Lawrence counties have low COVID-19 community levels as determined by the CDC, as of Thursday night.

On Tuesday, the Butler VA Health Care System implemented “level high” COVID-19 protocols in its facility, as part of its nationwide approach by the Veterans Health Administration to adjust safety measures as needed in its facilities.

The VA follows data from the CDC to make decisions on health safety measures, according to a Tuesday news release from the organization.

Masks are required at the VA regardless of the level, but requirements for self-screening, visitation and physical distancing vary. The other high level measures include required self-screening of facility occupants, care team-approved visitors only and physical distancing will be required.