THE CDC has updated its mask guidance due to a surge in new COVID-19 cases and the emergence of the delta variant as the dominant variant of the virus. Here are some things to know.

The CDC is recommending that even vaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoors in parts of the U.S. where COVID is surging, specifically if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.  View the CDC map here to find out the status of your county. The agency also recommends that everyone in schools (K-12) wear masks regardless of vaccination status. 

BRONX - SUBSTANTIAL

DUTCHESS - HIGH

KINGS (BROOKLYN) - HIGH

NASSAU - HIGH

NEW YORK (MANHATTAN) - HIGH

ORANGE - HIGH

PUTNAM - HIGH

QUEENS - HIGH

RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND) - HIGH

ROCKLAND- HIGH

SUFFOLK - HIGH

SULLIVAN - HIGH

ULSTER - HIGH

WESTCHESTER - HIGH

ATLANTIC - HIGH

BERGEN - HIGH 

BURLINGTON - HIGH

CAMDEN - HIGH

CAPE MAY COUNTY - HIGH

CUMBERLAND - HIGH

ESSEX - HIGH

GLOUCESTER - HIGH

HUDSON - HIGH

HUNTERDON - HIGH

MERCER - HIGH

MIDDLESEX - HIGH

MONMOUTH - HIGH

MORRIS - HIGH

OCEAN - HIGH

PASSAIC - HIGH

SALEM - HIGH

SOMERSET - HIGH

SUSSEX -  HIGH

UNION - HIGH

WARREN - HIGH

FAIRFIELD - SUBSTANTIAL

HARTFORD - HIGH

LITCHFIELD - HIGH

MIDDLESEX - HIGH

NEW HAVEN - HIGH

NEW LONDON - HIGH

TOLLAND - HIGH

WINDHAM - HIGH

These are not mandates, they are recommendations based on data.  It is up to local governments to pass requirements for wearing masks indoors in public.  New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, broadly speaking, currently don't have those requirements for vaccinated individuals on a state level - with some exceptions.  This could change in the future. However, individuals can always wear masks in any situation if they choose. 

The U.S. has seen a recent surge in cases fueled by a new form of the virus called the delta variant.  This variant is much more contagious than past variants. Most of these cases are among unvaccinated people, but some vaccinated individuals have been infected.

TRACK CASES: COVID-19 Statistics and Information

Yes, these are called 'breakthrough' infections and are very rare, according to the CDC.  No vaccine is 100% effective - including the COVID-19 vaccines.  However, they are still incredibly effective at preventing infection and reducing the severity of illness if a person gets infected.  

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky says vaccinated people “have the potential to spread that virus to others.”  However, the agency says vaccinated individuals represent a very small amount of total transmission.