The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex and New Haven as high COVID-19 level areas.

This designation, which the CDC calls the Orange category, is based on the positivity rate of 15%.

“That number is about three times higher than the numbers we were seeing earlier this year,” said Hartford Healthcare Regional Medical Director Dr. Andrew Wong. “Their recommendation is for everyone, not just immunocompromised people, to wear medical grade masks when they go into the community.”

Wong says residents should celebrate the new year's celebrations with their family if they feel healthy but be sure to take a home COVID-19 test if symptoms begin.

“At this point, the hospitals have capacity, but we want to make sure it stays that way after the holidays and for the rest of the new year,” he adds.

Wong also reminds residents to be up to date on vaccines and quarantine for at least five days if they test positive.

Connecticut's other four counties are listed in the medium-yellow category.