The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its mask guidelines for COVID-19 on February 25th, 2022. Specifically, the updates unveil a risk-based tier system to help determine the level of protection required. In essence, the system puts communities in a low, medium, or high tier based on their risk of contracting COVID-19. Previously, on December 27th, 2021, the CDC released guidance that shortened the isolation and quarantine period for people with COVID-19. Basically, the new periods were based on the Omicron variant, as well as vaccination booster status of individuals.

COVID-19 Community Levels

As a part of the CDC’s updated mask guidelines, the agency has provided a new tool to help communities determine what specific prevention steps to take. In general, this tool is meant to reduce the strain COVID-19 places on communities and health care systems. Known as COVID-19 Community Levels, the tool outlines a risk-based tiered system determined by looking at:

  • available hospital beds,
  • number of hospital admissions, and
  • the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.

Altogether, the CDC acknowledges that current population immunity has reduced the risk of severe COVID-19 infection for most people. However, the agency also recognizes that older citizens and the immunocompromised remain at higher risk for the disease. Therefore, the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels tool helps both communities and individuals decide what steps to take based on their local context and unique needs.

Updated Mask Guidelines

Concurrently with the COVID-19 Community Levels tool, the CDC its layered prevention strategy. In other words, the agency stresses that up-to-date vaccines and wearing masks help prevent severe illness. Consequently, this reduces the potential strain in the health care system. Finally, the agency states that individuals should wear a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort. The CDC uses the COVID-19 Community Levels tool to determine mask guidelines thusly:

  • Low level
    • Individuals may wear a mask based on their personal preference, informed by their personal level of risk.
  • Medium level
    • Those who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness, should talk to their health care provider about additional precautions, such as wearing masks or respirators indoors while in public.
    • Individuals in close contact with someone at high risk for severe illness should test for infection before getting together and wearing a mask indoors with them.
  • High level
    • Wear a well-fitting mask when indoors and in public, regardless of vaccination status or individual risk (including in K-12 schools and other community settings).
    • Immunocompromised individuals or those at high risk for severe illness should wear a mask or respirator that provides them with greater protection

More Information

Individuals may view their specific COVID-19 Community Levels by county by using the provided map. In addition, the CDC released mask guidelines for specific groups, such as the elderly, the immunocompromised, disabled individuals, and children.