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Demonstrators participate in a Defeat the Mandates march in Washington, DC, on January 23, 2022.Stefani Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images
  • According to the CDC, 70% of the US population can take off their masks.

  • The agency relaxed mask recommendations for counties with low levels of COVID-19.

  • The CDC's focus on minimizing severe disease is reflected in the new guidance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed mask guidelines for up to 70% of the US population on Friday.

The agency said that people with an increased risk of severe COVID-19, such as immunocompromised people, should talk to their healthcare providers about removing masks if they live. According to the CDC, 37% of US counties still require masks in indoor public settings.

The agency still recommends that everyone get a vaccine if they haven't already, and test themselves if they feel sick if they haven't already. The CDC said that people with symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should continue to mask up.

The map shows where your county is on the scale. 30% of US residents live in counties with low levels of COVID-19. 42% of US residents live in counties with medium levels. 28% of US residents live in counties with high levels.

cdc map
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The new recommendations reflect the CDC's focus on protecting vulnerable individuals and limiting strain on hospitals.

The overall risk of severe disease is now generally lower, according to the CDC Director.

Green counties must have less than 200 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents, less than 10 new hospital admissions per 100,000 residents, and less than 10% of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients within the last week.

The metrics compare to yellow and orange counties.

cdc table
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

If you live in an area with low or medium levels of COVID-19, the CDC suggests that you use a mask.

cdc map
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Walensky said on Friday that the guidance is subject to change.

She said that no one knows what the future may hold for them and that they need to be prepared. We want to give people a break from things like mask-wearing when our levels are low and then have the ability to reach for them again, should things get worse in the future.

The original article is on Business Insider.

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