Masking recommendations are getting muddled.
Just a month and a half after a dramatic relaxation in the CDC’s mask recommendations, public health officials are reconsidering whether masks are again necessary thanks to a new highly contagious variant, called Delta, spreading through the United States.
The variant is about 50% more contagious than the previously dominant strain in the US and now comprises about 40% of positive COVID-19 tests.
Faced with this new, severe threat, the World Health Organization has asked even vaccinated people to wear masks in settings with high rates of COVID-19 transmission. The CDC has not changed their guidance, though Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said in a recent interview he would wear a mask in parts of Mississippi with low vaccination rates even though he’s vaccinated.
In a recent interview, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said local policy makers should make these decisions for their local environment. A few local officials like those in Los Angeles County and Illinois, have reinstated indoor mask recommendations as the variant spreads through their state.
Ben Vihstadt, a spokesperson for the governor’s office said state health officials will not revisit mask policies, citing the low community transmission rate in New Hampshire.
“The CDC has stated that the vaccines successfully protect individuals from the Delta variant,” Sununu said in a statement. “The state continues to remind folks that the safest thing individuals can do to protect themselves and their loved ones is to get the COVID vaccine.”
Jim Bouley, the mayor of Concord, said that there are no current plans to reinstate the city mask mandate, though the ordinance left room to reevaluate the policy of COVID-19 numbers start creeping up again.
The strain is still relatively uncommon in New England, comprising about 7% of cases.
Many residents of New Hampshire have already adjusted to maskless life.
According to a new Granite State Poll, just 6% of Granite Staters said they would wear a mask to spend time with friends or family outside their household in June – nearly a fifth said they would wear a mask in the same situation a month earlier.
The same logic holds for almost every other facet of life. Whether it be shopping at grocery stores, getting takeout from a restaurant, or exercising outdoors, survey respondents said they were less likely to wear masks.
Are you vaccinated?
The best way to protect yourself from all strains of COVID-19 is to get fully vaccinated. Based on some studies with the new strain, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are about 88% effective at preventing illness from Delta while the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine is about 72% effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends that unvaccinated Americans wear masks in indoor, public spaces.
Does your area have a high vaccination rate?
Areas with high vaccination rates are relatively well protected against the rampant spread of the delta variant. Many parts of New Hampshire have high vaccination rates – about 67% of adults in Merrimack County are fully vaccinated. However, if you are planning on traveling to parts of the country will low vaccination rates – which you can check online – consider wearing a face covering.
Is the location busy?
The more people you interact with, the more likely you are to come in contact with someone carrying the virus. If you’re planning on visiting a high-traffic area consider wearing a mask.
Is it indoor or outdoor?
If you are going to be outdoors, most experts agree that you do not need to wear a mask. Indoor areas with poor ventilation may warrant more precautions.