The Chattanooga Times-Free Press reported on Tuesday that across the United States, counties with high COVID-19 risk levels continue to increase, with nearly 46% of counties considered high risk as of Monday – including Chattooga County. 

The BA.5 subvariant, which according to the CDC now makes up roughly 82% of all COVID-19 cases in the country, is the most contagious version of the coronavirus yet and better than any prior strain at evading immunity from previous infection and vaccination.

The CDC recommends that people in high-risk areas wear face masks indoors in public and on public transportation, stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested and isolate from others if they have symptoms.

In Northwest Georgia, Chattooga and Gordon Counties are considered “high risk” areas and in Alabama, neighboring DeKalb County makes the list.