Providence County Back Down To 'Medium Risk' For COVID-19 Spread

CRANSTON, RI — Providence County in Rhode Island saw its COVID-19 community spread risk drop from "high" to "medium" on Friday, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This means all five counties in the Ocean State are no longer in the "high" risk category, the Rhode Island Department of Health said. Providence County was the only Rhode Island count designated as "high" risk before Friday, as Newport County and Kent County dropped to "medium" last week.

COVID-19 case rates and hospitalization data determine community levels, the department of health said.

For counties at medium risk, the CDC recommends staying up to date with vaccinations and getting a COVID-19 test when experiencing symptoms. Immunocompromised people and others at higher risk of severe illness should talk to their doctor about wearing a face-covering in a public setting.

If any Rhode Island counties return to "high" risk, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public spaces.