By Laina G. Stebbins, Michigan Advance

The COVID-19 transmission rates in 32 Michigan counties — 21 more than last week — are considered “high” or “substantial,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Last week, the CDC had urged all individuals in substantial or high community transmission areas to wear masks indoors in public, regardless of their vaccination status. That included 10 of Michigan’s 83 counties.

With cases on the rise, the CDC’s data tracker now ranks more than one-third of Michigan’s counties as high or substantial.

Counties recorded as having “high” transmission rates — the highest ranking in the tracker — include: Branch, Hillsdale, Huron, Iosco, Alpena and Kalkaska counties. Only Branch County held that ranking last week.

Areas with “substantial” transmission rates include: Ontonagon, Iron, Dickinson, Delta, Presque Isle, Charlevoix, Montmorency, Grand Traverse, Mason, Muskegon, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Clinton, Ionia, Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Jackson, Cass, St. Joseph, Ingham, Livingston, Oakland and Macomb counties.

All other counties are labeled as either “moderate” or “low,” and therefore do not need to adhere to the same masking recommendation.

Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Susan Demas for questions: [email protected]. Follow Michigan Advance on Facebook and Twitter.