How CDC Measures the COVID-19 Community Levels
CDC looks at the combination of three metrics — new COVID-19 admissions per
100,000 population in the past 7 days, the percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied
by COVID-19 patients, and total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population in the
past 7 days — to determine the COVID-19 community level.
New COVID-19 admissions and the percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied
represent the current potential for strain on the health system. Data on new cases
acts as an early warning indicator of potential increases in health system strain in the
event of a COVID-19 surge.
Using these data, the COVID-19 community level is classified as low, medium, or
high.
The COVID-19 community level is determined by the higher of the new
admissions and inpatient beds metrics, based on the current level of new cases
per 100,000 population in the past 7 days
To find out the COVID-19 community level:
First determine whether a county, state, or territory has fewer than 200 new
cases per 100,000 people in the past 7 days or 200 new cases or more per
100,000 people in the past 7 days.
Then, determine the level (low, medium, or high) for the new admissions and
inpatient beds and indicators using the scale for the area’s number for new
cases.
The COVID-19 Community Level is based on the higher of the new admissions
and inpatient beds metrics.
Check your county’s COVID-19 Community Level.