Updated Mask Advisory Now In "Effect"
Jul. 2nd, 2022 04:53 pmI haven't seen any news regarding this announcement, which supposedly came out on June 10; nor can Doctor Google pick up any mainstream media covering it. But, effective yesterday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is advising that anyone with a weakened immune system or is otherwise at risk for severe illness should wear a mask whenever indoors and not in their own home:
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Looking back at the press release announcing this, it's clearly a reduction in recommendation:
As of Thursday's data, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are nearly at the CDC's High COVID-19 Community Level mark, at which point the CDC recommends indoor masking for everyone. I'd wonder what the state would do if they ticked back up to that level, but I'm pretty sure I already know the answer, since on June 10 the CDC was reporting High levels for Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk Counties - and the state released this "don't worry, be happy" guidance that same day.
( Read more... )
Looking back at the press release announcing this, it's clearly a reduction in recommendation:
"To protect friends and family members, residents are reminded that getting a vaccine and booster remain the best way to protect against serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19," said Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. "Based on our nation-leading vaccination efforts, DPH now recommends that Massachusetts residents have the option to make a personal choice about wearing a mask or face covering in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status."
As of Thursday's data, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are nearly at the CDC's High COVID-19 Community Level mark, at which point the CDC recommends indoor masking for everyone. I'd wonder what the state would do if they ticked back up to that level, but I'm pretty sure I already know the answer, since on June 10 the CDC was reporting High levels for Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk Counties - and the state released this "don't worry, be happy" guidance that same day.