Experts say that the CDC's Tuesday decision to urge all Americans to wear masks indoors when there is high coronavirus transmission of the virus doesn't threaten community spread. However, it may increase pressure on those who aren't vaccinated. This could encourage schools and businesses to enforce mask mandates.The CDC now recommends universal indoor masking for teachers, staff, and students in schools, from kindergarten through 12th grade. This recommendation is independent of any vaccination status. This aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, which recommend that all children older than 2 years old wear a mask to school.Both the CDC and AAP continue to urge children to return to in-person learning in full-time during the fall.In a Tuesday briefing, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC said that "the delta variant is showing everyday its willingness to outsmart and be an opportunist." "In rare cases, infected people who have been vaccinated with the delta variant may spread the virus to others. ... The new science is alarming and it's time to update our recommendations.She said that people who have had breakthrough infections with the delta variant virus are more likely to be fully vaccinated than people who are not. This means that fully vaccinated people are more likely than unvaccinated to spread the virus with its delta variant.Walensky stated that if a person is vaccinated and travels to a location with high transmission, it could lead to a breakthrough infective. Even with a vaccine that's 90% to 95% effective, Walensky warned.Health experts believe that the goal of the guidance is to protect both fully vaccinated individuals and those who have not yet been vaccinated.Continue the storyThey say that there isn't enough transmission between fully vaccinated individuals to make a difference in community spread.This won't have a lot of impact. According to Dr. Eric Cioe-Pea of Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York director of global health, we know that vaccined people don't spread COVID as effectively as those who aren't vaccinated, USA TODAY.He believes the new recommendations will be more effective in convincing unvaccinated Americans not to wear masks in public, and empower schools and businesses to enforce mask mandates without proof of vaccination.Schools using masks They are being demanded by more doctors and officialsHealth equity: US hospitals struggle with health disparities: 4 out of 5 hospitals have minority patientsDr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville said that the CDC's recommendations are now more aligned with local health departments who have already imposed mask mandates due to rising coronavirus infections.He said that this gives local health departments more opportunity to not appear as though they are doing something different from what the CDC suggests. It was always possible for local health departments to make this determination, but it is now much more clear.The CDC's announcement comes a few weeks after Dr. Anthony Fauci (President Bidens chief COVID-19 Medical Advisor) said that the agency was reexamining mask recommendation amid surging cases triggered highly transmissible variants.He said that they were heading in the wrong direction to CNN on Sunday.According to the CDC, the delta variant is responsible for more than 80% COVID-19-related cases in the United States.Johns Hopkins University data has shown that daily cases have nearly doubled since last summer. Wearing a mask provides additional protection to stop another fall surge, according to Dr. Ilan Shapiro. AltaMed Health Services is a Los Angeles-based network of community health centers.He said that we already know the ending of the movie. We are trying to protect all human beings around us, regardless of their vaccination status. The delta variant has shown us that it is a very effective jumper.Experts in health recommend that fully vaccinated individuals consult their local health departments websites to find out about mask guidance and vaccination rates. They recommend covering your face in public indoor places and outdoor gatherings if rates fall below 70%.The number one recommendation is to get vaccinated. Cioe-Pea stated that the No.He said that we have the tools and are the only country in the world capable of ending the pandemic. We just chose not to. It is frustrating that we are choosing to prolong our pandemic.Schaffner encourages those who have been vaccinated to be flexible and patient, as the CDC's recommendations could change due to fluctuating vaccination rates or coronavirus transmission.He said that the virus is in control and that we must respond to its effects in our communities. While some may consider this a step back for the virus, it is necessary to adjust your defense when an opposing team scores a lot.Follow Adrianna Rodriguez @AdriannaUSATUSA TODAY's coverage of patient safety and health is possible in part thanks to a grant from Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. Editorial input is not provided by the Masimo Foundation.This article first appeared on USA TODAY COVID-19: Why CDC wants vaccinated Americans again to wear masks
