Map shows COVID-19 community levels in your area, where masks are recommended indoors

SAN FRANCISCO — New metrics from the CDC take into consideration hospitalization numbers when measuring the impact of COVID-19 and masking requirements for communities.

Previously, the “high,” “substantial,” “moderate” and “low” transmission categories were based on case rates and positivity percentages and the CDC recommended indoor masking for counties in the “moderate” or “low” levels. These new categories incorporate hospital admissions and bed utilization in addition to case rates.