Face masks must now be worn when inside public spaces in Philadelphia, again.
With 49% of the United States population being fully vaccinated, it is now the Delta Variant that is increasing worry. COVID restrictions were fully lifted only over a month ago in Philadelphia, but health officials are tracking back on that decision and asking everyone, vaccinated or not, to wear a mask indoors when in public spaces.
The Delta Variant is much more contagious and deadly, making up 83% of new positive COVID cases according to the CDC. This is why wearing masks indoors is being re-implemented. Also, more children are being hospitalized with COVID and aren’t eligible for the vaccine yet. So, health officials want the population to continue wearing masks indoors to protect the younger population. “It’s time for all of us to do what we need to do to protect our city’s kids. That means getting fully vaccinated if you haven’t yet, and it means all of us going back to wearing masks in public,” acting Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole wrote in a statement. Philadelphians must now follow the CDC mask wearing guidelines, which are as follows:
- If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places.
- In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings.
- In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
- If you are fully vaccinated and have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may need to keep taking steps to protect yourself, like wearing a mask. Talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to manage your health and risks.
- If you are fully vaccinated, see When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated.
If you need assistance this tool helps find a vaccination center near you as well as provides you with more information according to our city and area. Indeed, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said: “We will continue to vaccinate anyone who is ready, and encourage them to join the million-plus people who received this life-saving vaccine in Philadelphia.”
[Featured image: Shutterstock]