As anticipated, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention updated mask guidance on July 27 to recommend fully vaccinated individuals begin wearing masks again indoors in public spaces if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission (here's looking at you Tennessee with rising case loads and low vaccination rates). In light of the Delta variant, the updated recommendation is to maximize your protection of a breakthrough infection and/or to prevent possibly spreading to others.
Wearing a mask is most important if you have a weakened immune system or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for sever disease or is unvaccinated. For this group, the recommendation is applicable no matter what level of transmission is in the community.
The CDC also recommended universal indoor masking in K-12 schools no matter what an individual's vaccination status.
AMA Statement on Updated Mask Guidance
The following statement is attributable to:
Gerald E. Harmon, M.D.
President, American Medical Association
"With cases of COVID-19 continuing to increase in the United States and a significant number of people who remain unvaccinated, the CDC's updated mask guidance is needed to help curb the spread of COVID-19--particularly the Delta variant, which we know is much more contagious.
According to the CDC, emerging data indicates that vaccinated individuals infected with the Delta variant have similar viral loads as those who are unvaccinated and are capable of transmission. However, the science remains clear, the authorized vaccines remain safe and effective in preventing severe complications from COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. "We strongly support the updated recommendations, which call for universal masking in areas of high or substantial COVID-19 transmission and in K-12 schools, to help reduce transmission of the virus. Wearing a mask is a small, but important protective measure that can help us all stay safer.
"The AMA continues to strongly encourage everyone who is eligible for COVID-19 vaccines to get vaccinated as soon as possible. We urge anyone with questions about the vaccines to speak with their physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org."