CDC Updates Mask Recommendations: What To Know In Conroe

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its mask guidance Tuesday in light of a rise of the delta variant across the country.

The CDC recommended that all vaccinated people in areas of substantial or high transmission wear masks indoors, a reversal of its May 13 announcement stating fully vaccinated people didn't need to wear masks.

The reversal in guidance comes as the delta variant has caused cases to rise across the country, including in Montgomery County.

In last week's update, the Montgomery County Public Health District reported 1,221 active cases, a an increase of 412 since the previous update and the third straight week the county saw an increase in active cases. The number of active cases have risen since a 12-month low of 594 active cases on June 30.

According to the CDC, Montgomery County is considered an area of high transmission.

Blue: Low; Yellow: Moderate; Orange: Substantial; Red: High (map via CDC)

Mask mandates likely aren't coming anywhere in Texas as Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order on May 18 banning government entities from instituting mask mandates, including public schools. Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough also has been critical of mask mandates throughout the pandemic.

In a news release Tuesday, the Texas State Teachers Association called on Abbott to end his ban on mask mandates for schools and let school districts enact policies on the local level.

Vaccinations in Montgomery County saw a rise for the first time since April, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Between July 19 and July 25, 6,774 Montgomery County residents received a vaccine dose, up from 5,495 doses the prior week.

According to DSHS, 47.98 percent of eligible Montgomery County residents age 12 and older have been fully vaccinated. That trails metrics at the Texas (52.23 percent) and national levels (57.6 percent).

Graph via DSHS

How to get vaccinated

DSHS has set up a public vaccination website to help Texans register for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment close to them. To schedule an appointment, click here.

National pharmacies Walgreens and CVS also are distributing the vaccine across the country. To check availability in your area and register for a vaccine, click here for CVS and here for Walgreens. For more information on vaccination locations throughout Texas, click here.