ALABAMA, USA — Are masks making a comeback in the fight against COVID? America saw higher numbers in 2020, but doctors are concerned about the rapid growth in cases now.
Alabama's State Health Officer Scott Harris says that we need to prepare for the worst with what happened last year.
"I think past experiences have taught us what happens next; we have typically seen jumps in cases, followed by jumps in hospitalizations, followed soon by a jump in deaths," said Harris.
Cases of the delta variant are especially high in the state of Alabama, which is why Harris thinks now is the time to put the masks back on.
"There are certainly tons of situations where wearing a mask makes a lot of sense, even if you are vaccinated," said Harris.
The CDC released new masking guidelines on Tuesday, July 27th, and Dr. Harris encourages that all unvaccinated people wear their masks and everyone follow the CDC guidance.
Masks and vaccines are not state-mandated, but he also said that private companies can make their own guidelines about masks in their buildings.
Because children 12 and under are not eligible for the vaccine yet, Harris thinks there could be another outbreak Harris encourages all schools to consider masks and distancing of three feet for students and staff.
"The issue in masks in schools is important, with masks, it's highly controversial when they really shouldn't be masks are really effective way of preventing disease transmission they protect the wearer from others and protects those who are COVID unaware," said Harris.