(WLUK) -- As COVID-19 levels continue to rise, Brown County leaders are asking people to take precautions against spreading the virus.

Six area counties -- Brown, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Menominee, Shawano and Winnebago -- are listed in the "medium" category for virus activity according to Friday's U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention update. That is twice last week's count for the area.

"The most important thing residents can do to protect themselves and our community is to get a COVID-19 vaccine and be sure you are up-to-date on all recommended booster doses," Public Health Officer Anna Nick said in a news release.

"The more people in Brown County who are up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines means more people are protected against severe health outcomes associated with the virus. This also helps reduce strain on area hospitals, slow the spread of disease, and can save lives."

Health officials also recommend people consider wearing face masks in public indoor settings.

Seven Wisconsin counties were listed in the "high" category, where health officials recommend all people wear masks in public indoor settings.

The latest update from the state Department of Health Services showed Wisconsin's seven-day average of new cases rising to 2,095, the highest level since Feb. 11. DHS reported 2,517 new cases on Thursday.

The seven-day average of test positivity reached 13.7%, the highest level since Feb. 6.

One death was reported on Thursday, dropping the seven-day average to four.

Since the pandemic began, Wisconsin has seen more than 1.4 million cases and 12,954 deaths.

As of Friday, 64.4% of state residents had received at least one dose of vaccine, 61.1% had completed the initial vaccine series and 34.3% had received an additional or booster dose.

Overall hospitalizations fell slightly to close out the work week. The Wisconsin Hospital Association reported treating 345 COVID-19 patients, 11 fewer than on Thursday but 88 more than a week earlier. Of those, 38 were in intensive care, the same as on Thursday and one more than a week earlier.

In the northeast region, there were 27 COVID-19 patients, two fewer than on Thursday but 11 more than a week earlier. Two of those were in ICUs, down one over both a day and a week. Fox Valley region hospitals had 18 COVID-19 patients, up three over both a day and a week. Of those, two were in ICUs, no change from a day or a week earlier.