As a result of a spike in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, the CDC now recommends that everyone, including individuals who are fully vaccinated, wear face coverings when indoors in places of substantial or high community transmission. According to the CDC, infections happen only in a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated, and the same is true with the Delta variant. However, preliminary evidence indicates that fully vaccinated people who become infected with the Delta variant can spread the virus to others. Thus, the CDC recommends that vaccinated individuals:
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings if they are in an area of substantial or high transmission. This is especially important if a vaccinated individual or someone in their household is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is unvaccinated. People who are at increased risk for severe disease include older adults and those who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, overweight or obesity, and heart conditions.
- Get tested if experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
- Get tested 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure or until a negative test result.
- Isolate if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 10 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Follow any applicable federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations.
As of the date of this e-alert, the CDC’s Covid Data Tracker recognizes all Connecticut counties (except Litchfield county) as “substantial” for community transmission. As a result, the Connecticut Department of Public Health strongly recommends that all individuals age two and older in these counties wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
Employers should closely monitor these developments and reevaluate their masking requirements and COVID-19 policies and practices.
Read more about the guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals here.
Please contact one of the members of our Labor & Employment group if you would like additional information or need advice on implementing any of the CDC’s recommendations in your workplace.
This information is for educational purposes only to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. It does not constitute legal advice and does not establish any attorney-client relationship.