You can also pick up free rapid antigen tests at APH's Metz Elementary testing site (84 Robert T. A third round of free mail-order COVID-19 test kits are available through the federal government. Use a feature on the CDC’s website to find a location near you.ĪPH encourages testing before and after gatherings, especially if you plan to be in close contact with individuals who are at risk. Free N95 respirators are available at some local pharmacies. Wearing a well-fitting mask offers protection for yourself and those around you. 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 CDC shifted to Community Levels as much of the country achieved high levels of vaccination. Community Levels are determined by a combination of factors, 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. People experiencing symptoms or those who’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.ĪPH updated its risk-based guidelines to align with CDC Community Level metrics in March. Even at low levels, people can wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by their level of risk. High: Indoor masking regardless of vaccination/risk status when gathering, dining and shopping.Īt all risk levels, APH supports wearing a well-fitting mask and practicing social distancing as additional layers of protection to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially as we see case reports and hospital admissions increase in the community.Medium: Indoor masking when gathering, dining and shopping. Get up to date with your vaccines as soon as possible. Recommendations for people who are at risk: High: Indoor masking regardless of vaccination/risk status when gathering, dining and shopping. Mask when social distancing is not possible. Medium: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping. Low: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping. Recommendations for people who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines: Get up to date on your vaccines at your doctor's office or at one of our clinics.” Take a test and stay home even if you only feel slightly sick. “Testing and getting vaccinated and boosted are also critical. “We all have mask fatigue, but wearing a mask is what’s necessary to keep COVID-19 in check,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. Data for Travis County can be found online. Travis County’s Community Level shifted from low to medium when that metric hit 200, per CDC guidelines.ĪPH is also conducting wastewater surveillance to monitor the presence of SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19, circulating in the community. A key determining metric for Community Levels, new cases per 100k population in the last 7 days, sits at 202.99. We know that this will help protect loved ones at risk for poor outcomes and our hospital system.”Īustin Public Health (APH) continues to monitor rising COVID-19 case totals, including the new omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 now present in our area. Wear a mask inside when gathering with others. “We need everyone to do their part, especially those who are at higher risk. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. "We’re seeing steady increases in case totals and hospitalizations which is incredibly concerning,” said Dr. Upgraded Risk-Based Guidelines include masking in many circumstances. New case totals reached the threshold necessary to trigger additional preventive measures. AUSTIN, Texas – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) upgraded Travis County’s COVID-19 Community Level from low to medium Thursday.