CDC reversing mask guidance for most of the country, including local counties

Tune in to WHIO-TV Tonight at 11 for more information on the CDC’s updated guidance.

The CDC is reversing its mask guidance for most of the country, including parts of the Miami Valley.

The agency says, two-thirds of all U.S. counties have substantial or high Covid spread. Those are the areas in which the agency is now saying even fully vaccinated people should mask up when indoors.

It defines areas with substantial spread as places where there are 50 to 100 cases per 100,000 people in a seven day period. The CDC says places with high spread have more than 100 cases per 100,000 people in a seven day period.

Right now, no Miami Valley counties are marked as areas with high spread on the CDC’s map.

Miami Valley substantial spread counties:

• Butler
• Preble
• Montgomery
• Miami
• Greene
• Clinton

The CDC’s director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky explained why the country is in a situation right now in which it is changing its guidance as the delta variant spreads.

“This moment and most importantly the associated illness, suffering, and death could have been avoided with higher vaccination coverage in this country,” Dr. Walensky said.

The CDC is now also saying everyone in K to 12 schools, including teachers, staff, students, and visitors should be wearing masks.

A spokesperson for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he is reviewing the CDC guidance but at this time, this does not change the governor’s mind on mask mandates.

©2021 Cox Media Group