According to the CDC, a substantial community spread of COVID-19 has been recorded in Philadelphia and three of its surrounding counties, according to a staff report from FOX 29 Philadelphia.

Substantial transition means there have been anywhere from 50 to 99.99 total new cases per 100,000 persons over the past seven days.

As of this week, Montgomery, Delaware, and Bucks counties along with Philadelphia were among 609 counties nationwide to fall into this substantial transmission category.

For the seven days ending with Monday, Delaware County has recorded 55.23 per 100,000 new cases, Bucks County had 56.19 per 100,000, while Montgomery County had the highest rate at 59.93 per 100,000.

As a result of the growing number of new cases mostly fueled by the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, residents are once again advised to wear a mask indoors even if they are vaccinated.

Additionally, the health department also suggests avoiding crowded spaces and relocating any indoor gatherings outside if at all possible. At present wearing masks around people whose vaccination status is unknown is strongly advised.

Read more about current transmission rates of COVID-19 at FOX 29 Philadelphia.