Universal masking in healthcare settings is no longer part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations.
The change was part of an update the agency issued on Sept. 23, The Hill reports.
The CDC stated that updates were made “to reflect the high levels of vaccine-and infection-induced immunity and the availability of effective treatments and prevention tools.”
However, universal masking is still recommended for areas with high COVID-19 transmission. That includes healthcare workers, patients and visitors.
Nearly three-quarters of the U.S. is currently facing high rates of transmission, according to The Hill.