The number of people with COVID-19 in Pennsylvania is on the rise as a more contagious variant spreads.

The Department of Health reported 986 new cases on Tuesday. That is the highest single-day total since late May.

Many of those cases are believed to be caused by the delta variant. The more contagious strain of the virus makes up 83 percent of virus cases, up from just 20 percent in late June.

As the variant has spread, the number of daily cases in Pennsylvania have increased from a low of around 200 in late June to Tuesday’s high.

The variant has led to increases in cases in areas where there are low vaccination rates, primarily Florida and Louisiana.

Among local counties, Monroe has seen the greatest amount of spread of the virus. But low vaccination rates among adults 18 and older in all local counties could leave them susceptible if the variant finds its way here.

As of this week, Carbon, Schuylkill, Northampton, Lehigh and Monroe all had vaccination rates that were less than the state and nationwide average. Carbon’s is 46.4%, Schuylkill is 45.6%, Northampton is 52.5%, Lehigh is 54.9%, and Monroe is 42.1%.

While state and federal health authorities are encouraging everyone over the age of 12 receive a vaccine, the rate of people seeking out vaccines has dropped significantly from a high in April.

The CDC on Tuesday changed its guidance on masks, saying that in areas where the virus has a ‘substantial’ or ‘high’ rate of spread, even people who are fully vaccinated should wear masks in indoor settings. Among local counties, Monroe and Northampton meet the criteria for substantial spread.

The Pennsylvania Dept. of Education released new recommendations for students returning to school this fall. They have not mandated the use of masks or vaccines, but they said everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated, and those who are not, should wear masks.

“Our schools have gone to great lengths to help create safe learning environments and protect their communities throughout the pandemic,” said Secretary of Education Noe Ortega.

“Acting Secretary Beam and I advise schools to continue to protect their communities by following current CDC guidance, to the greatest extent possible, as they plan and prepare for the new school year.

“These measures will help ensure students, educators, and school staff experience a safe return to in-person teaching and learning this fall.”