The CDC has changed its COVID-19 masking guidance. Here's what that means for Kentucky

Sarah Ladd, Louisville Courier Journal
·1 min read

Kentucky is now almost solidly in the green zone — the safest — for COVID-19 infections, based on the most recent federal guidelines.

That means most Kentuckians can unmask indoors, according to the recommendations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in February it would consider hospital numbers and bed capacity in addition to COVID-19 transmission levels when making mask recommendations.

Based on those guidelines, Americans in "low," (or green) areas can wear a mask based on their personal preference, the CDC says.

Schools are included in the public settings where masking and testing may not be necessary if the COVID-19 risk is low based on the new CDC metrics, USA Today reported.

More: More than 70% of Americans can take off their masks indoors with new CDC guidelines on COVID risk

Those in "medium," or yellow, areas should talk to their doctors and wear a mask around high-risk people, as well as get tested before seeing them, per the CDC.

Those in "high" risk areas should still wear masks indoors, even if vaccinated, according to the CDC.

As of April 1, no Kentucky counties were in this "high" category. Six were in the medium category:

  • Harrison

  • Robertson

  • Clay

  • Laurel

  • Knox

  • Whitley

The rest of the counties, including Jefferson, were in the green zone. The statewide rate of positive cases was last updated Monday and was 2.29%.

April 1, 2022 COVID-19 infection rates
April 1, 2022 COVID-19 infection rates

Background: Kentucky special legislative session wraps up: COVID-19 mask mandates eliminated

USA Today contributed. Reach health reporter Sarah Ladd at sladd@courier-journal.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ladd_sarah.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: CDC on COVID masks: What the new guidelines mean for Kentucky