CDC recommends masks for fully vaccinated people again. Here’s what Charlotte experts say.

By Hannah Smoot and Alison Kuznitz, The Charlotte Observer

Even fully vaccinated people should begin wearing a mask in public settings once again, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday.

That includes in schools, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. Everyone in K-12 schools, including teachers, staff, students and visitors should wear a mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status, she said.

Charlotte-area hospital experts agree with the new mask guidelines, even as residents in recent months have grown accustomed to not wearing masks at supermarkets, restaurants, retail shops and even the Government Center in uptown.

Gov. Roy Cooper had lifted most mask mandates in May, while still requiring face coverings on public transit, child care centers, schools, prisons and public health settings. The order had been based on CDC guidance at the time.

Yet Tuesday’s new CDC guidelines urge people to wear masks, especially in areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates. According to the CDC’s COVID-19 tracker, that includes Mecklenburg County.

Surrounding counties are also seeing high or substantial community spread.

Read more at The Charlotte Observer

Main Photo: Charlotteans may need to start wearing masks in public once more according to new CDC guidelines. OBSERVER FILE PHOTO