Where does the CDC recommend masks in IL? 4 counties are at ‘high’ COVID community levels

Four counties in southeastern Illinois are under updated masking guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after being scored at a “high” COVID community level this week.

Saline, Gallatin, Pope and Hardin counties were assessed as at a high COVID community level under the CDC’s update Thursday. The ratings – low, medium and high – are determined based on new cases and hospitalizations, as well as hospital bed utilization. The CDC revises the ranking each Thursday for all U.S. counties.

As of the April 7 update, all other counties in Illinois are ranked low.

The federal health agency recommends wearing a mask in public, indoor places in counties listed as high. The guidance for those who are considered at higher risk for severe illness differs, however, with the CDC recommending they consider masking and other precautions in medium areas, as well.

The cluster in the southeast is an escalation for the state as a whole, which had only one county ranked medium the week prior – Edgar County, which was assessed at a low level this week. Two weeks ago, under the March 24 update, all Illinois counties were considered low.

You can explore the community level for the counties you visit in the interactive map below.

What does each COVID community level mean?

The CDC released the community levels system in February to allow officials to issue public health guidance at a more local level.

According to the CDC, those in areas with low community level should:

• Ensure they are fully vaccinated.
• Get tested if they have symptoms.

Those in areas of medium community level should:

• Ensure they are fully vaccinated.
• Get tested if they have symptoms.
• If at high risk for severe illness, talk to doctor about masking and other precautions.

Those in areas of high community level should:

• Wear a mask in public.
• Ensure they are fully vaccinated.
• Get tested if they have symptoms.
• If at high risk for severe illness, take additional precautions.

The federal agency also reminds individuals they can mask at any time, and those with symptoms, who have tested positive or have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19 should wear a mask in public regardless of community level.

This story was originally published April 8, 2022 at 11:25 AM.