Avondale Estates, GA — The city of Avondale Estates is no longer requiring patrons at City Hall to wear a mask if they don’t have any COVID-19 symptoms, per the updated masks guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to an announcement from the city.

City Hall visitors may choose to wear a mask at any time. People who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who have been exposed to the virus should wear a mask.

The CDC has released a new COVID-19 community level tool that looks at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Levels can be low, medium or high based on that criteria.

DeKalb County is considered to be at a low community level. The CDC recommends individuals stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if they have symptoms.

As of March 8, DeKalb County reported 881 COVID-19 cases over the last two weeks, 111 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the last two weeks and has a positivity rate of 2.3% per 100,000 people during the same timeframe, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Overall, 55% of Georgians and 58% of DeKalb County residents are fully vaccinated as of March 8, according to Georgia DPH.