New CDC Map Shows COVID-19 Risk Level For Massachusetts

Most people in Massachusetts don't need to wear masks indoors, according to new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The federal government last week revised the system it uses to deem where certain mitigation factors are encouraged. The CDC uses hospital bed capacity, hospital admissions and new COVID-19 cases to determine how high virus levels are in a county.

Each Massachusetts county has either low or medium COVID-19 levels. Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk and Plymouth counties are at low levels; Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Nantucket and Worcester counties are at medium levels.

Masks aren't recommended indoors for people in low counties, while they are only recommended in medium counties if you are at elevated risk for severe illness and speak to your doctor.

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Masks are recommended indoors for people in high communities, of which there are none in Massachusetts.

Everyone is still being encouraged to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if experiencing symptoms.

The new CDC guidelines come as most communities move to drop indoor mask mandates. Boston's Health Commission is meeting Tuesday afternoon to discuss ending the mandates.