With the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreading quickly across the United States—it’s a much more contagious variant of the virus—some communities, such as Los Angeles, are reinstituting mask mandates. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for now, is standing by its guidance that vaccinated folks do not need to wear a mask unless required by a place of business or where applicable by federal law (on an airplane or train, for instance).

Statistics show that the overwhelming amount of people who are now hospitalized and dying from COVID-19 are unvaccinated, but there are cases where those who are vaccinated are getting milder forms of the disease.

If you want to be safe in case you are trying to avoid getting sick altogether or live with someone who cannot be vaccinated either because they are too young or for medical reasons. Deptford Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at when you might want to wear a mask.

  1. Will You Be Around Unvaccinated People?

This is the key question. With the Delta variant spreading, the risk is much higher that an unvaccinated person is going to be carrying it. If you’re planning on a visiting with a friend or relative, ask them their vaccination status.

  1. Will You Be in a Poorly Ventilated Indoor Space?

As we learned last year, COVID-19 transmits easily in poorly ventilated, indoor spaces, especially ones where you spend a larger amount of time. Again, your risk of the virus penetrating through the antibodies you’ve built increases with being around unvaccinated people and the amount of time you’re potentially exposed.

  1. What is the COVID Situation in Your Area?

You can use this interactive map to zero in right down to the county level across the country to see if COVID is spreading in your area. If it is, it’s probably the Delta variant, as it’s accounted for 83% of all cases recently.

Of course, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine still provides excellent protection against the Delta variant and even better protection (over 90%) against developing serious complications from COVID-19 that would require hospitalization. According to the vast majority of doctors, the best course of action you can take is to get vaccinated. If you haven’t yet gotten one, check with your doctor to help determine if it will be the right decision for you.

 

To learn more about Deptford Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://deptford-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.