The latest updates on universal masking from across the U.S.
On July 27, the CDC updated its guidance on masks in light of the Delta variant of COVID-19 circulating in the U.S. The CDC has added a recommendation for “fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.”
As a result, certain states and cities are reinstating universal masking for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
In Washington D.C. for example, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced this week that masks will be required in all indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status, starting July 31.
Below is a roundup of states and cities that are reinstating mask mandates across the U.S.
Washington D.C.
- Masks are now required for all individuals in indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status.
- No further restrictions were imposed. Businesses can remain open at full capacity with no social distancing requirements.
California
- California does not currently have a state-wide mask mandate, however on Wednesday the state released new guidance encouraging all individuals to mask indoors.
- Three counties in California do have mask mandates in place for all individuals, including Los Angeles, Yolo and most recently, Sacramento County.
Georgia
- This week, Governor Brian Kemp said no state-wide mandates or shutdowns are currently pending.
- However, the cities of Atlanta and Savannah have reinstated universal masking for all individuals.
Other cities imposing mask mandates include New Orleans, Louisiana, Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri and Provincetown, Massachusetts, according to Forbes.
The reinstatement of mask mandates comes as a blow for gyms, with mask mandates being one of the most contentious aspects of COVID-19 restrictions.
In addition to the updated mask guidance, the CDC added a recommendation “for fully vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested three to five days after exposure, and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.”
