Updated chart includes guidance tailored to those who are at risk or up to date
AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Public Health (APH) has updated its Risk-Based Guidelines to align with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) metrics. The CDC introduced new Community Levels to track the spread of COVID-19 at the county level in February. APH is incorporating that new model into our local guidance.
“We continue to adapt our response as we enter a new phase of this pandemic,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “While we enjoy the progress we’ve made, we should remember that this isn’t over yet; the potential for new variants still poses a threat.”
There are three Community Levels (Low, Medium and High) with corresponding guidance for those who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and for those who are at risk. These levels replace the stages that guided our response for much of the pandemic. The risk level for Austin-Travis County is currently low.
“We’re excited to roll out an updated tool offering our community the guidance necessary to stay safe and healthy moving forward,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. “We thank everyone for stepping up and taking precautions when it was asked of them. We’re optimistic about this new phase and feel confident our community is better equipped to respond if—and when—the need arises.”
Recommendations for people who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines:
- Low: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping.
- Medium: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping. Mask when social distancing is not possible.
- High: Indoor masking regardless of vaccination/risk status when gathering, dining and shopping.
Recommendations for people who are at risk:
- Low: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping.
- Medium: Indoor masking when gathering, dining and shopping.
- High: Indoor masking regardless of vaccination/risk status when gathering, dining and shopping.
At all levels wearing a well-fitting mask, and practicing social distancing are supported by APH as additional layers of protection to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Even at low levels, people can wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by their personal level of risk. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
Community Levels are determined by a combination of indicators including new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 population in the past seven days, the percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population in the past seven days.
These changes will be reflected on APH’s Key Indicators dashboard which will populate with CDC data weekly. The dashboard will be updated on Tuesday afternoon.
The CDC shifted to Community Levels as much of the country achieved high levels of vaccination and immunity. The Community Levels model aims to protect those at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and reduce strain on healthcare systems.
The City of Austin and Travis County lifted all COVID-19 orders last week, which included mask requirements at most City and County facilities.
APH testing and vaccination information
People can find vaccine providers using Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish) or by texting their zip code to 438829 (822862 in Spanish) to find a nearby clinic.
APH clinics offer COVID-19 testing and vaccinations without an appointment, although creating an account online in advance saves time. COVID-19 vaccinations are free and require neither identification nor insurance. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 or visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.
The APH Mobile Vaccination Program brings vaccine clinics to businesses, churches and more. Organizations can fill out an online form to request a pop-up clinic at their location.
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