CDC issues updated masking advisory for the vaccinated

▪ On July 27th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an updated Public Health advisory for the vaccinated due to the increasing rate of community transmission in the US.

▪ The CDC Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People advised using masks in public indoor settings in areas with substantial or high community transmission rates.

▪ Additionally, the advisory recommends that fully vaccinated people at higher risk of developing severe disease due to COVID-19 should wear masks regardless of transmission rates in their area.

▪ The CDC updated the advisory due to new evidence that suggests fully vaccinated individuals can be infected by and spread the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant (B.1.617.2).

▪ The guidelines also recommend masking for school-going children (Kindergarten to Grade 12) and staff.

▪ School districts that have issued a masking mandate include Atlanta, Clayton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett.

▪ CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said, “CDC recommends that everyone in K-12 schools wear a mask indoors, including teachers, staff, students, and visitors regardless of vaccination status.”