The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its COVID-19 prevention guidance again today with a recommendation to wear masks under certain circumstances even when fully vaccinated.

The CDC revised its public health guidance in response to new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, which is more contagious than other forms of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and associated with outbreaks in the U.S. and some other countries. The agency:

• Added a recommendation for fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
• Now recommends universal indoor masking for all school teachers, staff, students and visitors regardless of vaccination status.
• Says fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated.
• Added a recommendation for fully vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
• Wearing a mask where required by laws, rules, regulations and local public health guidance.

The Aug. 4 topic for WorkCare’s free monthly webinar on Trending Beyond COVID-19 will be “Dealing with Delta.” Register here.