Austin Public Health shifted to Stage 4 risk based COVID-19 guidelines Feb. 24.

The area had been under Stage 5 guidelines since Jan. 6.

In a press release, the public health entity said the change comes as the number of infections declines and community transmission rates lessen.

As of Feb. 23, the seven-day moving average of hospitalizations was 31, which is well within APH's Stage 4 levels. However, community transmission and overall positivity rates were still in Stage 5 levels.

Stage 4 guidelines still advise that both high-risk and low-risk individuals wear masks; however, it has more relaxed restrictions for high-risk individuals to shop and dine in person.