The new CDC guidance divides communities into high, medium and low risk categories based on COVID metrics like hospitalizations. People in communities that are deemed high risk are advised to wear a mask indoors, but those in low or medium risk areas are advised only to get vaccinated and get tested if sick.

In medium risk communities, vulnerable individuals are encouraged to seek the advice of their doctor on whether or not to wear a mask. Roughly 70% of American counties fall in the medium or low risk groups, meaning those residents aren’t advised to mask.