The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a new map that shows people what the level of COVID-19 is in the communities in which they live.

The new map was launched on February 24 in conjunction with new camouflage agency recommendations. Recommendations handed out by the CDC have allowed most Americans not to wear masks because of the level of their communities.

What are the levels of the CDC community on COVID-19?

The CDC determines COVID-19 community level as a measure of the impact of COVID-19 on your health and the health systems in your area.

“With the current high levels of vaccination and high levels of immunity from both vaccination and infections, the risk of medically significant disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 is greatly reduced for most people,” the CDC said on its website. “COVID-19 community levels can help communities and individuals make decisions based on their local context and their unique needs.”

The agency is still tracking number of cases in the community, but the community-level indicator pays more attention to the number of hospitalizations. Now the key indicators are the new hospital admissions of people with COVID-19 per capita and the percentage of hospital beds occupied by patients with COVID-19.

“Health officials and individuals should consider up-to-date information on COVID-19 hospitalizations in the community, as well as the potential burden on the local health system and COVID-19 cases in the community when deciding on community prevention strategies and individual behaviors,” the report said. on the CDC website.

Do I need to wear a mask?

The CDC now tracks community levels instead of transferring the community, mask recommendations related to the level of risk of COVID-19 in your area.

If you live in a low-risk area, the CDC says wearing a mask is up to you and whether you want to wear a mask as a personal choice.

If you live in a medium-risk area, the CDC says people with weakened immune systems or at high risk for serious illness should wear masks indoors when in public. People who live with immunocompromised individuals or have social contact with them should also wear a mask when indoors with them.

It is recommended for people living in high risk areas put on a mask in public places, regardless of vaccination status or individual risk.

What should I do if I live in a high risk area?

You looked at the map above, searched your area and found that you live in a high risk area. What now?

The CDC recommends wearing the mask indoors regardless of vaccination status. Those with weakened immune systems or at high risk of developing serious illness should consider avoiding optional outdoor activities in public places and have a plan for rapid screening if necessary. You should talk to your doctor about whether you are a candidate for treatment such as oral antivirals, PrEP and monoclonal antibodies.

Also, the CDC says to stay up to date Vaccines and boosters against COVID-19.