Amid rapidly spreading cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant, Austin is officially in Stage 5 — the most severe level recognized — for public health guidelines, officials announced yesterday morning.

Here’s what you need to know about what that means and how it will affect you.

How the stages is determined

Health officials determine what stage Austin is in based on a variety of key health indicators.

A major indicator is the number of new people coming into the hospital daily with COVID-19. The threshold to enter Stage 5 for this indicator is 50, which Austin surpassed on Dec. 31. Currently, more than 70 people locally are being admitted into hospitals daily with the virus.

Other measures include the rate of the virus’ transmission and rate of positive test results, both of which have also surpassed Stage 5 thresholds.

Changes to public health guidelines

In Stage 5, Austin Public Health suggests additional restrictions for all city residents. Here are those guidelines, based on vaccination + risk status:

Vaccinated:

Low risk: Wear masks during indoor + outdoor gatherings and while traveling, shopping and dining.
High risk: Avoid gathering with people outside of your household, only travel if essential, wear a mask while outdoor dining, and consider using curbside or takeaway options while shopping.

Unvaccinated:

Both low + high risk: Avoid travel and all gatherings with people outside of your household, and consider using curbside or takeaway options while dining and shopping.

What this means for schools and businesses

Austin’s public schools returned to class on Wednesday with additional safety measures in place.

In a press conference Thursday, health officials reinstated the importance of wearing a mask, getting vaccinated and getting a booster shot to curb the virus’ spread.

“If we do what is necessary to adhere to the Stage 5 guidelines, there’s hope to keep our schools, childcare centers, and businesses open,’” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Health Authority for Austin-Travis County.

Updates and vaccine + booster information can be found on the City of Austin’s website.