Orange County residents are once again being asked to wear masks indoors.

Orange County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman says cases countywide have jumped 115% in a week -- most of those cases are among the unvaccinated and children.

"The delta variant is a lot more contagious. It's twice more contagious as the previous circulating variants," she said.

Only 50% of Orange County residents are vaccinated, leaving the entire population more vulnerable, Dr. Gelman added.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies the county's transmission rate as 'high risk,' and Gelman issued a public health alert advising everyone – vaccinated or not -- to wear masks indoors.

Reaction to the guidance is mixed.

"Love it. Great idea," said Maryann Fichera, of Chester.

"I think people should be allowed to not wear the mask if they have their shot," said Nancy Rodriguez, of New Windsor.

In schools, the state Education Department is also suggesting masks be worn, following new CDC guidance earlier in the week.

The Orange County health commissioner says nearly all COVID-19 hospitalizations in Orange County are among the unvaccinated.

She says new cases are largely due to summertime travel and household infections.