CDC Changes Masking Guidance, PA Stays the Course Governor Wolf Says

Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised its masking guidance in light of the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant and rising case counts nationwide. Governor Wolf has indicated that the PA strategy will stay focused on vaccinations and not further restrictive mitigation efforts at this point. The CDC revisions apply to high concentration areas and not across the board.  In such areas, they recommend that: 

• Fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. In addition, fully vaccinated people may want to consider wearing a mask regardless of the transmission level if immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19 or they live with someone who meets this criteria. 
• Fully vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 be tested 3-5 days after exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result. 
• Universal indoor masking for teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools regardless of vaccination status. The PA Department of Education has issued separate guidance that focusses on distancing of 3 feet and masks for unvaccinated. 

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