The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated their mask guidance, recommending that all persons, even those who are fully vaccinated, wear masks indoors, especially where transmission rates are high, in order to curb the spread of the Delta variant.
The Delta variant now accounts for 83-percent of all U.S. COVID_19 cases, and nearly two-thirds of all US counties are seeing “substantial” and “high” transmission of Covid-19.
When the CDC announced that fully vaccinated individuals could go without a mask in May, the Delta variant was responsible for 1-percent of COVID-19 cases in the United States.
According to CDC data on July 22, 35-percent of U.S. counties are experiencing high levels of community transmission. COVID-19 cases are on the rise in nearly 90% of U.S. jurisdictions. Outbreaks are particularly high in areas with low vaccination rates.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that 56.2-percent of Illinoisians age 12 and over have been fully vaccinated while 71.9-percent of the population has received just one dose. IDPH also reports that 49.08-percent of the Champaign County population has been fully vaccinated.
COVID-19 rates state-wide are on the rise, though.
The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from July 20-27 is at 4.2%. The rate is the highest it has been since April 23.
Locally, Champaign County 7-day test positivity rate sits at 4.3-percent, an increase from 2.7 percent on July 16.
Spread of the Delta variant also prompted the CDC to recommend indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.
The vaccines are not authorized for children under 12.
On Monday the IDPH released updated school guidance, stating that in-person learning should continue to be a priority, but cited that CDC mask guidance should be followed.
“School districts that decide not to follow the CDC’s guidance should consult with their insurers regarding risk assumption and liability coverage,” IDPH wrote. “Insurers may be unwilling to cover liabilities created as a result of failure to adhere to public health guidance.”
