What is the risk for COVID in South Florida? How many are in the hospital? See the levels

Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach counties remained at a low risk level of virus transmission the past week. The CDC no longer recommends wearing masks at this level.

In early February, the counties were at a medium risk level. At this level, the CDC recommends that those at high risk of severe illness talk with their doctors about whether to wear a mask or take other precautions.

What does high, medium, low COVID risk level mean?

Depending on the risk level of your county, the mask guidance varies:

▪ If you live in a high-risk county, the CDC is recommending you wear a high-quality mask or respirator. The public health agency is also recommending that people considered to be “at risk” for getting very sick avoid non-essential indoor activities in public.

▪ If you live in a medium-risk county, the CDC is recommending anyone considered to be at high risk of severe illness wear a high-quality mask or respirator when indoors in public.

▪ If you live in a low-risk county, the CDC is recommending people who are considered to be high risk for severe illness speak with their doctor on whether they should wear a mask or take other precautions.

The CDC is also recommending people stay up-to-date with their COVID vaccination, including the bivalent booster, regardless of what risk level their county is in.

Check your county’s risk level: Visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html

How many COVID patients are in the hospital?

The latest: COVID hospitalizations have decreased in the state.

Beds: Of the 43,089 inpatient beds being used in Florida, 1,472, or about 3% of the beds, are being used for COVID-19, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as of Thursday.

ICU: Of the 4,782 ICU beds in use, 176, or about 4%, are being used for COVID-19.