CDC updates mask guidance for fully vaccinated individuals

In response to the spread of the delta variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently revised its masking guidance for fully vaccinated individuals. Specifically, the agency now encourages them to wear masks if they live in an area of "substantial" or "high" COVID-19 transmission.

What has changed

In May 2021, the CDC announced "fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting." The latest guidance walks back the message, however, and emphasizes individuals may "choose" to wear a mask if they're in an area of substantial or high COVID-19 transmission. The agency explains:

Fully vaccinated people might choose to mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is unvaccinated. People who are at increased risk for severe disease include older adults and those who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, overweight or obesity, and heart conditions.

How do you know if you live in an area with substantial or high COVID-19 transmission? The CDC has a county-by-county map providing the information.

In early August 2021, only a few counties in northern and southwestern Minnesota had a substantial or high rate of transmission. In the seven-county metro, only Scott County had a substantial level of spread. As we have seen throughout the pandemic, however, the numbers can change rapidly.

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