CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago’s Public Health Commissioner said vaccinated Chicagoans don’t need to wear masks indoors after the World Health Organization recommended people do so, because of the Delta variant.
Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said the Delta variant will be the dominant variant, as it is all over the world, all over the country, and even here in Chicago. She added that it is more contagious, but not necessarily making people sicker.
Dr. Arwady said masks for the vaccinated are not necessary, at least not for now.
"Right now, while our outbreak remains in very good control locally, even with the Delta here, there’s not a reason to adjust that guidance. And we will be sticking with CDC guidance that says if you are fully vaccinated, you don't need to be wearing a mask indoors,” Dr. Arwady said. “I don’t want to rule out that this could be something that could be a recommendation again in the future...But right now, I think we are feeling good about where we are. The most important thing of course is to get vaccinated.”
Dr. Arwady said the World Health Organization's mask recommendation was global in scope, made in consideration for places where fewer people are vaccinated.
At the same time, she said those who want to be more cautious are welcome to continue to wear masks.
“I take the variants really seriously,” Arwady said Tuesday during an online question-and-answer session. “But I feel confident that we remain in a good place at this point, and I don’t want you overly concerned if you are fully vaccinated.”
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