As a result of the rising rates of infection from the Delta-variant of the COVID-19 virus, the Centers for Disease Control reversed indoor mask recommendations under the following conditions:
- Fully vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. See this searchable by-county database.
- Fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated.
- Fully vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
- CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.
The CDC updated its mask recommendations on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. As of this publication date, recommendations remain the same for health care personnel. Please see the recommendations from April 2021 here.
