CDC’s new mask guidance includes 80 N.C. counties, including Dare

Fledra Hatch receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from Giner Niu at the Durham County Department of Public Health on January 8, 2021. [photo courtesy NCDHHS]

As COVID-19 cases surge, the Centers for Disease Control on Tuesday issued guidance recommending that fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors in areas with “substantial” and “high” transmission of the virus, which includes a majority of counties across the U.S.

In North Carolina, 80 of the state’s 100 countries are considered high-transmission, including Dare County.

The CDC is also recommending indoor masks for all teachers, staff and students at schools this fall. The Dare County Board of Education had planned to discuss masks during a special meeting Thursday, but has postponed until Aug. 5 due to the new guidance. Previous guidance suggested only elementary school students and staff, and unvaccinated older children and staff, needed to wear a mask in class.