CDC and DHEC Issue New Mask Recommendations

On July 27, the CDC issued new health recommendations for fully vaccinated people due to the widespread of the Delta variant of COVID-19. 

These include: 

• A recommendation for fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
• Suggesting that 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.
• 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.
• A recommendation for universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.

On the 27th, DHEC issued a response saying "The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is adopting the federal agency’s updated guidance and is recommending all South Carolinians, including those who are fully vaccinated, wear their masks when indoors and in public settings in areas with substantial and high transmission.”