On Tuesday, July 27, the CDC updated its mask guidelines for people in the U.S. due to the COVID-19 Delta variant that is "surging" in the country.
According to the CDC, this variant is much more contagious than other versions of the virus and "while rare, some vaccinated people can get Delta in a breakthrough infection and may be contagious."
They are advising unvaccinated people to get vaccinated as soon as possible and wear masks until they do. As for the vaccinated population, the guidelines have been updated to advise that they wear a mask in public indoor spaces in regions of "substantial or high transmission."
The CDC has a map to indicate transmission in various parts of the country. Places in red are considered high and places in orange are considered substantial.
"With the Delta variant, vaccination is more urgent than ever," said the CDC. The organization noted that fully vaccinated people are more protected from severe symptoms, hospitalization and death.