When and where should vaccinated people continue to wear masks?
Given the rise in the Delta variant cases, health experts from around the world have raised concerns and are suggesting various means to help people protect themselves and their loved ones. While COVID vaccines are the need of the hour, breakthrough infections make it seem impossible to contain the spread of the virus. That said, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidelines for masks, claiming it is the only "temporary measure" as of now.
Should you mask up even if you're fully vaccinated?
If you're fully vaccinated, many factors can determine whether or not you should mask up or not. Earlier CDC guidelines suggested that fully vaccinated people can meet other people unmasked, given that the people they're meeting with are also fully vaccinated. Apart from that, if you're planning to visit outdoors and crowded places, you must continue to wear your masks, as there may be people who are yet to receive the COVID vaccine doses and may be prone to infections.
Delta variant has raised concerns
The rising number of Delta variant cases all across the globe has surely become a major concern.
The new updated guidelines for masking have come at a time when the United States of America is witnessing a spike in their number of daily COVID cases.
Recent reports suggest that more than 80% of US COVID cases are caused by the Delta variant.
CDC officials say wearing masks is the only "temporary measure"
According to Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, CDC's director, “In rare occasions, some vaccinated people infected with a Delta variant after vaccination may be contagious and spread the virus to others.”
She suggests that although virus transmission by fully vaccinated individuals was less likely with the Alpha variant, the Delta variant seems more efficient in dodging vaccine-induced immunity and infecting other people.
Keeping this in mind, she says, “What we really need to do to drive down these transmissions in the areas of high transmission is to get more and more people vaccinated and in the meantime, to use masks.”
Fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask in areas of high transmission
Officials have also emphasised that people living in high transmission areas should mask up efficiently. Whether you're fully vaccinated or are still to get your COVID vaccines, if you live or happen to pass by a highly infectious zone, it is absolutely compulsory to follow all the necessary measures, including wearing well-fitted masks.
Is wearing a mask indoors necessary?
As per the most recent COVID guidelines, CDC recommends fully vaccinated individuals to start wearing masks indoors again in places with high COVID transmission rates. In the US, where schools have re-opened, kids are also recommended to wear masks in schools this fall.
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