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CDC’s new mask guideline not sitting well with health care workers

Former surgeon general: It’s ‘a recommendation they KNOW will end masking’

WHO advises fully vaccinated peopleto continue wearing face masks.The World Health Organization (WHO) hasurged people to continue practicing COVID-19 safetymeasures regardless of their vaccination status. .This includes wearing face masks, practicing social distancing,maintaining proper hygiene and being mindful of ventilation. .This differs from guidance offered in a number ofcountries, including the United States, that encouragesvaccinated individuals to shed their face masks. .Dr. Mariangela Simao, an assistantdirector-general for the WHO, stressedthat vaccinated people “still needto protect themselves.”.People cannot feel safe just because theyhad the two doses … Vaccine alone won’t stopcommunity transmission … People need tocontinue to use masks consistently, be inventilated spaces, hand hygiene ... thephysical distance, avoid crowding, Dr. Mariangela Simao, via CNBC.The WHO’s call for fully vaccinated people to“play it safe” comes as the highly contagious delta variantcontinues to spread rapidly across the globe. .According to ‘The Wall Street Journal,’ halfof adults infected with the delta variant in Israelhad received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. .WHO officials say the variant is in at least 92 countriesnow and will “pick off” the most vulnerable people. .It’s more efficient in the way it transmitsbetween humans and it will eventually find thosevulnerable individuals who will become severely ill,have to be hospitalized and potentially die, Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director ofWHO’s Health Emergencies Program
By
Oct 4, 2022

Masks have been controversial since the beginning of the pandemic, and it seems that’s not changing anytime soon.

The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently dropped its recommendation that masks be worn in all health care settings, except in areas where COVID-19 transmission is high.

ExploreIs your cloth mask good enough to face the delta variant?

“Updates were made to reflect the high levels of vaccine- and infection-induced immunity and the availability of effective treatments and prevention tools,” the CDC wrote.

That means facilities in areas with low transmission can choose not to require doctors, patients and visitors to cover their faces.

If you’ve been to the doctor or a hospital lately, however, you know those masks haven’t gone anywhere — and likely won’t, health care professionals say.

Some even took to Twitter to express their disagreement with the decision, including former Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams.

“Masks are still required for hospitals and health care facilities in California,” Chris Van Gorder, CEO of Scripps Health in San Diego, told MedPage Today. “We understand that additional guidance might be coming from the (California Department of Public Health) and the state, but for now, it’s still required, and we intend to comply.”

ExploreStill wearing a face mask? Your choice may be influenced by your race

On the other side of the country, New York’s state health department “has not changed its recommendations/requirements,” Jason Molinet, spokesperson for Northwell Health in New York, told MedPage Today.

Mark Howell, director of policy and patient safety at the American Hospital Association, added: “These changes reflect the importance of mitigating challenges related to COVID-19 as early as possible and keeping health care workers and the patients they treat safe and healthy, a goal hospitals and health systems strongly share with the CDC. Current levels of high community transmission across the country mean universal masking is recommended in most communities for everyone in a health care setting, especially when in areas of the health care facility where they could encounter patients.”

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About the Author

Nancy Clanton is a lead producer for The AJC's platforms team, but also writes stories about health, travel, events and entertainment. A native of Knoxville and graduate of the University of Tennessee, she has worked at the AJC for 24 years.

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