The CDC has released new guidelines about COVID-19 risk levels.  In regions where caseloads, hospitalizations and risk factors are high, masks should still be worn indoors. Putnam County is on the CDC list of low-risk counties.  County Executive MaryEllen Odell cautioned that as masking decreases, residents should still use precaution as new variants of COVID could soon return.  Three people are currently hospitalized with COVID in Putnam County.  Health Commissioner Michael Nesheiwat says an evaluation of numerous indicators show Putnam County is currently in a period of decreased risk. With COVID, as with all public health threats, he notes that they continue to work with our state and federal partners to monitor indicators that impact level of risk and ultimately influence the health of a community.