Masks and covid-19: Explaining the latest guidance from the CDC and other experts

Many Americans are confused, some even outraged, about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new recommendations to return to mask-wearing. But while nearly half the U.S. population is vaccinated against the coronavirus, health officials are concerned about the rising numbers of new infections attributable to the highly transmissible delta variant — coupled with low vaccination rates in many areas of the country.

Furthermore, while the authorized coronavirus vaccines remain highly effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalizations and death from the delta variant, data suggests that fully vaccinated people with breakthrough infections — which are still considered rare — can spread the virus.

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