NEWS: CDC Expected to Change Select Mask Recommendations Soon

The situation with COVID-19 continues to change and develop throughout the United States.

Face Mask Sign

Yesterday, we shared updates as to the COVID-19 situation in Central Florida. We also shared some news as to the United States’ travel restrictions for other countries. Now, we have news about a potential change that may be coming to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s mask guidance.

According to the New York Times, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to recommend that those who are vaccinated against COVID-19 once again wear masks indoors in certain areas of the US. This recommendation is expected to be released today, Tuesday the 27th.

Specifically, CNBC notes that the CDC is expected to recommend that fully vaccinated individuals wear masks again indoors in places with “high COVID-19 transmission rates.”

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The New York Times notes that this change comes after reports of rising breakthrough infections with the Delta variant for those who were already fully vaccinated, as well as COVID-19 case surges in areas with low vaccination rates. The New York Times shares that the vaccines “remain effective against the worst outcomes of infection with the virus.”

Face Mask

This updated recommendation would mark a change in the current CDC policy which notes that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks in most indoor spaces.

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The New York Times notes that a day after announcing that mask policy, the CDC released information about a study that showed the vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna were about 94% effective in preventing symptomatic illness in those who got 2 doses, and 82% effective for those who got 1 dose.

But, the New York Times shares that data and the CDC’s decision was based on infections of previous versions of the virus before the Delta variant became a more prominent strain in the US. The New York Times notes that reports of clusters of infections among fully vaccinated people has suggested that the Delta variant may be able to break through the vaccine barrier more often.

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The Delta variant made up 83% of all sequenced COVID-19 cases in the US as of July 20th. Back in June, the CDC estimated it only accounted for 26% of new COVID-19 cases, according to CNN.

The current situation with COVID-19 has led to some changes in specific areas. For example, in LA County, California and at Universal Studios Hollywood, masks are once again required indoors.

Disney face mask

The Orange County, Florida Mayor has also recommended that individuals wear masks indoors and in crowded locations. Just yesterday, the Orange County Mayor noted that they are in “crisis mode” due to the COVID-19 situation in the county.

During that conference, Mayor Demings noted that “According to the CDC, Florida, Texas, and Missouri account for 40% of all cases nationwide at this time.” Demings also noted that for the second week in a row, Florida accounts for…1 in 5 new cases.

Face Masks

As of this time, Disney has not yet announced any change in its mask rules, and the CDC has not yet announced any updates to its mask policy. We’ll be on the lookout for any news and let you know what we find.