The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently came out with new masking guidelines, saying more than 70% of the country — including the Akron area — could take off their masks indoors.
New guidelines:Can I take my mask off? Find the current CDC COVID-19 risk level in the Akron area here
The new metrics look at the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, as well as hospital capacity.
Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark and Wayne counties are currently listed as “low” risk or green, according to a CDC color-coded map. According to the CDC, that means masks can come off indoors and you can “wear a mask based on your personal preference, informed by your personal level of risk.”
What are the new guidelines?:More than 70% of Americans can take off their masks indoors under new CDC guidelines on COVID-19 risk
If you go to other Ohio counties, here’s where to look up their status and what they mean: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html
We asked some local health experts for their advice following the new guidelines, especially as some people may still be leery of removing their masks in public after nearly two years. The experts are:
- Dr. Donald Dumford, medical director of infection control for Cleveland Clinic Akron General.
- Dr. Eric Robinette, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Akron Children’s Hospital.
- Summit County Public Health Commissioner Donna Skoda.
I’m boosted and otherwise healthy. Is it OK for me to go maskless with the new CDC guidelines?
Dumford: According to the new CDC guidelines, you can go maskless indoors in our area. Of course, there are different levels of risk acceptance among us, so if you are not comfortable being maskless in public, then it is fine to choose to mask. As we go forward, it is best to keep an eye on the updated information for current status of COVID transmission.
Robinette: It depends on where you live, work, and/or are visiting. In general, most counties in Northeast Ohio are now at a “low” level of community prevalence and not masking in public would be consistent with the CDC guidelines for a vaccinated person. The CDC still offers the option of masking, based on personal preference for those wishing to lower their risk of acquiring or transmitting a COVID-19 infection. Their recommendation making it optional is based on the very low risk that a person in this scenario would become severely ill from COVID-19.
Skoda: Individuals should use the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Spread Tool to establish the level of community spread based on the indicators and follow the CDC recommendations for their community’s level. In my opinion, going maskless in public places where social distancing is difficult should be reserved for areas where the positivity rates is 5% or under.
Summit County’s latest COVID-19 positivity rate for cases in the last 14 days ended Feb. 22 is 4.6%, according to the Ohio Department of Health. To find the latest positivity rate, go to https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/dashboards/key-metrics/testing
Should I wear a mask in my county?:CDC map shows COVID risk levels: Live COVID updates
I am boosted but have family members who are vulnerable, such as the immunocompromised or children under 5 who cannot get vaccinated. Should I continue to wear a mask in public?
Dumford: This is also a personal decision and should be made by the individual and those around them. If you have a family member who has a compromised immune system, or cannot get vaccinated whether due to being under 5 or another medical issue, then you may choose to still wear a mask in public.
Robinette: This depends on your community prevalence. If your county prevalence is “medium” then it would be recommended to mask indoors, in public.
Notably, children between birth to 4 years of age are the only pediatric group not eligible for vaccination and are also at the highest risk of severe complications of COVID-19 with children under 3 months being the most vulnerable. That said, even this age group of children is much less vulnerable, statistically, than older adults. Therefore, while family members masking in public is not formally recommended by CDC, it might be a reasonable consideration depending on the age of your child and whether they’ve previously had COVID-19.
Skoda: Layered prevention strategies such as staying up to date on your vaccinations, social distancing when possible and masking can help limit the spread of disease for immunocompromised individuals. Individuals who are immunocompromised and their family members should discuss the recommended level of prevention strategies that will best protect them.
I would recommend treating unvaccinated children the same as medically vulnerable individuals.
Is it OK to eat indoors now?
Dumford: It’s up to you and what you feel comfortable with.
Robinette: Yes, in “low” risk counties.
Skoda: Individuals should evaluate their risk based on their health status, community spread level and other mitigation strategies in place.
If I am vaccinated, do I still need to take precautions around people who are unvaccinated?
Dumford: Theoretically, you would be at higher risk for contracting COVID if you are among unvaccinated people than vaccinated ones, but it is tough to know many times.
Robinette: In typical life, in a “low” risk county, this would not be required.
Skoda: Even if you are vaccinated, you should take precautions when around those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised. You should continue to stay home when sick and wear a mask indoors if you are not able to socially distance.
What other advise to you have to share about COVID-19?
Dumford: Everyone should continue to monitor for any symptoms of COVID such as fevers or respiratory illness and get tested promptly if you are concerned that you might have it.
It may help to share what my wife and I are doing. We have a 3 year old who due to age can’t get vaccinated. We are all healthy and my wife and I have been vaccinated.
We have been very risk-averse to this point but realize we have to start getting back to something that is more like normal pre-pandemic life. We are still a little wary of eating in restaurants, but may be starting to eat out soon.
Next week, we are going to our first indoor concert in a couple years but are going to choose to stay masked during it.
This past weekend, I went to a story hour with my daughter and she and I were masked. I think about half the kid/parent combos chose to be masked at the event.
Robinette: The CDC’s recommendations are guidelines based on assessment of risk of severe complications of COVID-19. There is still and will remain a risk of getting mild to moderate COVID in the community. Masking in certain situations can reduce that risk. There are many reasonable reasons that one might want to further reduce that risk and that is why CDC still leaves it optional. Additionally, getting vaccinated is the most powerful and convenient way to protect oneself from having serious complications from COVID-19.
Beacon Journal staff reporter Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her @blinfisherABJ on Twitter or www.facebook.com/BettyLinFisherABJ To see her most recent stories and columns, go to www.tinyurl.com/bettylinfisher
