The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a new tool – COVID-19 Community Levels –  that helps communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data.

According to a press release, COVID-19 levels are labeled as low, medium or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new cases in an area.

Officials say layered prevention strategies include staying up to date on vaccines, screening testing, ventilation and wearing masks.

Community settings such as schools and congregate settings are urged to include additional layers of prevention – such as, physical distancing and contact tracing based on information and data in its new tool.

Visit the COVID-19 Community Levels by clicking here.