The White House Wears Masks Again... Reverses CDC Regulation Relaxation After Two Months

CDC Recommends Indoor Mask Use for Vaccinated Individuals in 'Hotspot' Areas
State Capitals Expected to Enforce Mask Mandates...Concerns Over Republican Opposition
Symbolic Retreat in COVID-19 Battle
Mask Use Expected in Schools for New Semester in September

US President Joe Biden is seen removing his mask last May. The White House mandated mask usage for staff on the 27th.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reversed its indoor mask relaxation policy after two months, warning about the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19. The White House immediately mandated mask-wearing for its staff.

On the 27th (local time), the CDC recommended that even those fully vaccinated wear masks indoors in ‘hotspot’ areas where COVID-19 infections are rising. CNN reported that two-thirds of all U.S. counties fall under this directive, indicating the widespread presence of Delta variant infection zones.

In May, the CDC had advised that fully vaccinated individuals did not need to wear masks indoors except in certain exceptions such as public transportation and hospitals.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky explained the importance of this measure, stating, "We have seen scientific data showing that the Delta variant behaves differently from previous variants." She emphasized that this decision "was not made lightly."

President Joe Biden also stated in a released statement that "All Americans must follow the CDC’s recommendation to wear masks again in some areas. I will also adhere to the guidelines when visiting those regions."

Bloomberg News described the White House’s directive for all staff to wear masks following the CDC announcement as a symbolic ‘retreat’ in the fight against COVID-19.

Many state governments are expected to mandate mask use following the CDC’s recommendation. Most U.S. states had relaxed indoor mask requirements after the CDC’s earlier easing of regulations. As a result, people could enter indoor sports events, theaters, concert halls, and stores without masks, but they are now expected to wear masks again. The new school semester starting in September is also anticipated to require mask-wearing during classes.

However, CNN predicted that Republican governors would oppose this measure, signaling increased regional conflicts over mask usage.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the number of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. reached 89,000 on the 26th, a 70% increase compared to 52,000 cases reported on the 19th, one week earlier.