Will the delta strain change the U.S. mask policy? American officials say so

　　China News Service, July 1st. According to the US Chinese website, with the rapid spread of the delta strain of the new crown virus, some areas of the United States have resumed mask orders.

However, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Valensky once again stated on June 30 that fully vaccinated people are “safe” against the current variant of the new coronavirus and do not need to wear a mask.

On June 13th, local time, on the last day of the Flower Festival in New York, the exhibition area in Chelsea, Manhattan was bustling with tourists. As New York gradually returned to normal, the Flower Festival was loved by many citizens, and citizens came to the scene to experience the colorful streetscape.

　　According to reports, the rapid spread of the delta variant in Los Angeles County has caused local officials to reissue guidelines for wearing masks in indoor public places, regardless of whether they are vaccinated. The World Health Organization (WHO) also stated last week that even if fully vaccinated, People should also continue to wear masks in public and observe other epidemic prevention measures.

　　However, Varensky said in an interview that the CDC's guidance has not changed, and that people who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks.

She said: "If you are vaccinated, then you are safe from the mutated virus that is spreading in the United States."

　　When asked about the WHO's recommendations, Varensky said that the agency issued more cautious recommendations because of differences in global vaccination rates.

Regarding the practice of Los Angeles County, she also said that “local decision makers can formulate policies based on the local environment.” Earlier, some health experts pointed out that existing vaccines are still very effective against the Delta strain.

　　According to previous reports, the number of cases infected with the Delta strain in the United States is rising, with reported cases covering almost all states in the United States.

The CDC has stated that at present, one in every five confirmed cases of new crown in the United States is infected with the Delta strain.

　　As of now, more than half of the population in the United States is still not fully vaccinated.

US health experts and officials worry that areas with low vaccination rates may see a surge in Delta strain infections in the fall and winter of this year.