With Delta Variant Spreading, US Returns to Mask-Wearing... "Situation More Serious Than Last Summer"

Weekly COVID-19 Cases in the US Surge Back to 70,000s
Companies Like Facebook and Walmart Reinstate Mask Mandates

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunwoo Lee and Hyunui Cho] Amid the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant, the weekly average number of confirmed cases in the United States, which had dropped to the 10,000 range last month, surged to the 70,000 range, triggering an emergency across the country. Not only U.S. health authorities but also companies and state governments have rushed to reinstate mask mandates, including for vaccinated individuals. However, some argue that mask mandates are unnecessary since the fatality rate among vaccinated people is very low, and this controversy is expected to intensify.

On the 2nd (local time), Jeff Zients, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, said at a press briefing, "The weekly average number of COVID-19 cases nationwide has surpassed last summer's levels," adding, "Considering that the number of infections reached record highs last fall and winter since last summer, this is a very concerning figure."

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data released that day, the average number of new cases in the last week of July was 72,000, exceeding the peak of 68,700 in July last year. Coordinator Zients emphasized, "Infections are rapidly increasing, especially in areas where vaccination has been delayed due to vaccine hesitancy."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to the CDC, as of that day, 70% of adults in the U.S. had received at least one dose of the vaccine. However, U.S. experts continue to stress that vaccination rates must be increased further to achieve herd immunity. Paul Offit, an advisor to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said in an interview with CNBC, "While 70% is a notable milestone, considering the current spread of the Delta variant, at least 80% of the total population must be fully vaccinated to achieve herd immunity."

As COVID-19 cases rise again, U.S. companies are also reinstating mask mandates one after another. According to foreign media such as CNN, Facebook announced in a statement that starting from the 4th, all employees working in offices across the U.S. must wear masks regardless of vaccination status. Earlier last week, Facebook had required all employees working in the U.S. to be vaccinated before returning to the office.

Retail stores with frequent face-to-face contact with consumers are also reinstating mask mandates. On that day, Target, a major U.S. supermarket brand, instructed all employees in stores to wear masks. Other large retailers such as Walmart and Sam's Club had already ordered all employees to wear masks regardless of vaccination status since last week.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

State governments in the U.S. are also joining in reinstating indoor mask mandates. On that day, Louisiana announced that all residents aged 5 and older must wear masks indoors. Mask mandates were also announced in San Francisco, California, as well as in Los Angeles, Santa Clara, and San Mateo, which are located in Silicon Valley. In the U.S., mask mandates are currently being implemented mainly in Democratic districts including Washington D.C., Kansas City, and Atlanta, in addition to these areas.

On the other hand, some areas such as New York City have stated that since the fatality rate among vaccinated individuals is very low, they will not enforce mask mandates for vaccinated people, sparking controversy. According to CDC data, the hospitalization rate due to breakthrough infections after vaccination in the U.S. is only 0.004% of the total.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a press conference that day, "We strongly recommend indoor mask-wearing for vaccinated individuals, but there are no plans to mandate masks for vaccinated people," adding, "We will focus on increasing vaccination rates rather than mask-wearing."

Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York State, urged individual business owners such as restaurants and bars to allow entry only to those vaccinated against COVID-19.