AUSTIN, Texas — After cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations leveled off in early October, Austin-Travis County was downgraded to Stage 3 of risk-based guidelines. Now, just ahead of New Year’s Eve, the region is headed in the wrong direction again.

Austin Public Health on Wednesday morning announced the area has returned to Stage 4 of risk-based guidelines, which represents the second-highest level of threat.

It comes as the omicron variant has driven up case counts and hospitalizations and now accounts for the majority of new cases in Texas.

What does it mean? According to Austin Public Health, “during Stage 4, vaccinated people should take precautions and wear masks during all activities. Get your booster once eligible.”

In addition, the health agency says partially vaccinated and unvaccinated people should continue to wear masks, avoid gatherings outside of their homes, only travel and shop if it’s essential and choose takeout or curbside pickup rather than eat in restaurants. They are urged to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible.

Unvaccinated Risk by Craig on Scribd