COVID community transmission level ‘high’ in Suffolk, masks in indoor public places recommended: CDC

The community transmission level of COVID-19 in Suffolk County is currently high, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The case rate per 100,000 population is 314.98 in Suffolk County, according to data published by the CDC on its COVID data tracker website. COVID-19 hospital admissions in Suffolk are currently 31.4 per 100,000.

People in Suffolk County should wear a high-quality mask or respirator in public places and on public transportation, the CDC says.

Community levels are high in other downstate counties, including Nassau, Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties and the five boroughs of New York City. Community levels in most of Upstate New York remain low or medium.

The CDC also makes the following recommendations for places with high community transmission levels:

• If you are at high risk of getting very sick, consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where risk of exposure to the virus is high.
• If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for getting very sic, consider self-testing to detect infection before contact, and consider wearing a high-quality mask when indoors with them.
• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including recommended booster doses.
• Maintain ventilation improvements.
• Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• Follow recommendations for isolation if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• Follow the recommendations for what to do if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19.

People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a high-quality mask or respirator when indoors in public.

If you are immunocompromised, learn more about how to protect yourself.