Southwest Virginia health expert explains mask debate as COVID-19 Delta variant spreads

ROANOKE, Virginia – As the number of COVID-19 cases declines, there are growing concerns about the emerging new Delta variant. It also raises questions about whether people should start wearing masks again.

Experts from the Virginia Department of Health are closely monitoring the emerging variant of COVID-19 Delta. Dr Cynthia Morrow, director of the Roanoke City and Alleghany health district, said that while we haven’t found any cases of the Delta variant in our area, that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear.

“I expect we have Delta, there is no reason to believe we will be spared,” she said.

In anticipation of the arrival of the Delta variant, many people are confused about conflicting guidelines on whether to start hiding again.

The World Health Organization recommends holding back and listening to the CDC who says masking is not necessary. However, Dr Morrow says the masking should depend on your COVID-19 vaccine status and where you live.

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“The reality is that in highly vaccinated communities, masking is not necessary for those vaccinated,” said Dr Morrow. “No matter anywhere in the world, if you are not vaccinated you should wear a mask when you are in public, if you are in crowded areas and you are unable to protect yourself, you should wear a mask, ”she added.

In Roanoke County, the vaccination rate is 69.9% for adults, which Dr Morrow interprets as a sufficiently high percentage of people vaccinated. This means that if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you do not need to wear a mask. But if you’re not vaccinated, she recommends wearing a mask whenever you’re in public.