The U.S. has once again reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world. While we went through a good stretch where our numbers were down, it seems we are back to being #1. The Summer surge has forced the CDC to make a confounding about-face on its May guidance on masks for vaccinated people. Nevada is also implementing an indoor mask mandate in counties with high numbers, including Clark count (Las Vegas).
Maybe a core of the problem is that just 57.6% of Americans ages 12 and up are fully vaccinated, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the Delta variant can infect those vaccinated, data shows that it would still help if more had the vaccine.
The CDC has now recommended everyone in areas with substantial or high levels of transmission, vaccinated or not, should wear a mask in public and indoor settings. I’m sure it feels like deja vu all over again. The CDC also stated that masks should be worn in schools by all students, teachers, and staff. CDC Director, Rochelle Walensky, had this to say on new data:
“rare occasions, some vaccinated people with the delta variant … may be contagious and spread the virus to others. This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendations.”
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is not behind us and is still very present.
