According to health leaders, COVID cases are on the rise once again.

The Benton-Franklin Health District released data showing a case rate of 55.88 between May 6th and May 12th. They also reported nine new hospitalizations during that week.

"We have seen our case counts about double over the last month. Compared to the rest of the state, our numbers are lower than what other areas are seeing," said Dr. Amy Person with the Benton-Franklin Health District.

Dr. Person said even with this recent increase, our levels are much lower than where we were in January 2022. She said we're also not at a point where there are concerns for healthcare capacity.

As cases increase throughout the state, the CDC is now encouraging people in areas with high community levels to wear masks indoors.

According to the CDC website, both Benton and Franklin counties have low community levels. This means they don't currently recommend masks indoors in our areas.

"As I see it, these things will just continue to be recommendations, there are no plans moving forward to add additional requirements. Our goal is to make sure people are equipped with information and the tools that they need so that whatever decisions they're making, they can follow through with them," explained Dr. Person.

To check community levels, you can head to the CDC website by clicking here.