On July 27, 2021, the CDC issued new public health recommendations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.  The full guidance is available at the CDC website. A summary of recent changes are as follows:

• There is a new recommendation for fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission

• Fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease, or not fully vaccinated

• There is a new recommendation for fully vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result

• CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status

It is important to note that this recommendation is geared toward the general public and no new employer guidelines have been issued at this time. Encompass will continue to monitor the CDC recommendations and provide updates as they become available.