The Centers for Disease Control recommended Tuesday that vaccinated individuals wear masks inside public places in areas with high COVID-19 case rates.
The recommendation applies to counties across the U.S. that have a “substantial” or “high” transmission rate. New York County, which encompasses Manhattan, has a “substantial” transmission rate, but state leaders, as well as Broadway productions, have not yet announced whether they follow the guidance.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday that his administration was “reviewing the new recommendations closely in consultation with federal and state health experts.” The new guidance stands in contrast to previous CDC recommendations which stated that fully vaccinated individuals did not need to wear masks indoors or outside.
“Springsteen on Broadway,” which began previews June 26, but is currently on hiatus until Aug. 17, did not require masks in the theater for vaccinated individuals, per CDC guidance at the time. “Pass Over,” which is slated to begin previews Aug. 4, had said it would require masks for vaccinated individuals while they moved around the theater, but not while seated. Both shows require proof of vaccination from theatergoers over the age of 16 and testing for those who are under age or for those who are unable to be vaccinated.
The decision comes as cases from the Delta variant rise across the U.S. More than 60% of the US currently has substantial and high transmission rates, according to the CDC. The organization defines those metrics as having 50 to 100 cases per 100,0000 people over a seven-day period and more than 100 cases per 100,000 people over a seven-day period, respectively.
Fully vaccinated individuals still make up a small amount of the transmission for COVID-19, according to the CDC. However, the CDC said Tuesday that vaccinated individuals can carry higher levels of the virus than previously thought and potentially transmit it to others. Vaccines are still highly effective in preventing against severe disease and death.
Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the masking policy for “Pass Over.” It has been corrected.
