The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its mask guidance by keeping in mind the rapid spread of the delta variant. As a result, it exhorts that people must wear face masks indoors in certain areas. Based on the obtained scientific data, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky has taken this decision.
She has expressed that the delta variant behaves differently than earlier Covid strains. Calling it a worrisome topic, the CDC director says people staying indoors must wear masks in areas of high transmission of Covid-19.
Delta Variant Can Also Affect Vaccinated People
As per the latest advancements, it is observed that vaccinated people are also susceptible to delta variant infections as non-vaccinated people. This is the prime reason behind a change in mask guidance by CDC.
CDC says fully vaccinated people also play a significant role in spreading Covid-19 infections. Mainly, two factors, namely, the spread of delta variant and the low vaccination rate, have led to this new mask guidance.
Increasing Delta Variant Cases Raise Concerns
Earlier on May 13, CDC revised its mask guideline and instructed vaccinated people to stop wearing masks. At that time, Delta variant cases stood at 1%, but now its percentage has reached the value of 83%.
Due to this, CDC has taken its crucial decision to change mask guidance. Moreover, it states the US has failed to achieve its vaccination target. And areas with less than 40% vaccination are susceptible to delta variant infections.
A senior administrator said it is our duty to effectively spread information to people to combat the health crisis. For example, the new mask guidance asks unvaccinated people to wear masks to prevent themselves and others.
Varied Risks of Covid-19 Transmission
The CDC data states different US counties have different risks of delta variant transmission. Around 46% US counties have a high transmission risk and 17% of US counties have a substantial risk of spreading delta variant.
Vaccination has certainly reduced the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Besides, it has also put a cap on the number of hospitalizations and deaths. The CDC officials say vaccinated people carry a little risk of Covid-19 transmission.
The new CDC mask guidance also recommends the community leaders spread the message of wearing masks and getting vaccinated. It is essential to prevent the spread of the delta variant in high-risk transmission and substantial risk transmission states.
Moreover, the new CDC mask guidance asks everyone in schools to wear masks to prevent Covid-19 infections.
