• The 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 this data, the COVID-19 community level is classified as low, medium, or high. Dauphin County is currently in the  LOW  classification as of February 3, 2023.

    At all levels, people can wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by their personal level of risk. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

     
    COVID-19 Community Levels – Use the Highest Level that Applies to Your Community

    New COVID-19 Cases

    Per 100,000 people in the past 7 days
    		 Indicators Low Medium High
    Fewer than 200 New COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 population (7-day total) <10.0 10.0-19.9 ≥20.0
    Percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients (7-day average) <10.0% 10.0-14.9% ≥15.0%
    200 or more New COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 population (7-day total)
    NA
    		 <10.0 ≥10.0
    Percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients (7-day average)
    NA
    		 <10.0% ≥10.0%

    - Source https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/community-levels.html