CDC: COVID-19 transmission level “High” in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Escambia

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the level of community transmission of COVID-19 is “High” in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties, and it recommends that people wear a mask indoors in public and on public transportation.

According to the CDC, the COVID-19 case rate in Okaloosa County is 234.41 per 100,000 population. In Santa Rosa County, the case rate is 216.48 per 100,000, and in Escambia County, the case rate is 227.76 per 100.000.

Eglin Air Force Base announced today that it will return to Health Protection Condition Bravo on June 27 due to the increased community transmission of COVID-19 across the local communities.

The current community transmission level In Walton and Bay counties is “Medium” according to the CDC. The CDC recommends people in Walton and Bay wear a mask on public transportation and if they have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Individuals at high risk for severe illness should consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions, the CDC says.

According to CDC data, only 10.21 percent of counties in the nation are currently in the “High” community transmission level. In Florida, nearly 70 percent of counties are currently in the “High” level, according to CDC data.

Currently, no counties in Alabama or Georgia are “High,” according to the CDC. Only three counties in Mississippi and two parishes in Louisiana are “High,” according to the data.