Masks can help protect you and others from COVID-19. As per CDC recommendations, layered prevention strategies — like staying up to date on vaccines and wearing masks — can help prevent severe illness and reduce the potential for strain on the healthcare system. The purpose of this is to protect from the spread and limit exposure to COVID-19. COVID-19 Community Levels are a tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Find community levels and prevention steps by county via the CDC website.