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Under current recommendations and available research I was wondering what the recommendation for masking would be in two specific scenarios. I live in a college town that has just less then 50% vaccination rate and low community spread currently. I am a provider in an ENT/Pulmonology clinic. All staff are vaccinated but our patient's vaccination status varies. Should we continue to wear masks as providers or request patient's do so or is it ok to leave masking optional on the honor system of vaccination status? I have unvaccinated children under the age of 8 at home and an immunosuppressed spouse. I have been vaccinated. Should I still wear a mask in indoor public spaces to help protect my at risk household members?
As a healthcare worker, who under circumstances of occupation has the likelihood of close-contact with people with asymptomatic infection (despite low community rates), it would be best practice to continue to maintain physical distancing, PPE, and source control. Despite being personally fully vaccinated, you remain a risk of asymptomatically transmitting the virus to your patients and your family. The CDC’s guidance is here.
