Masks must be worn indoors in all NJ counties, CDC says as viral activity increases

As virus levels continue to rise in New Jersey, masks should be worn indoors in all corners of New Jersey, according to the latest masking guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

All 21 counties now have “high” or “significant” rates of coronavirus transmission, meaning masks are recommended for indoor public places regardless of vaccination status, according to the CDC. The updated map is based on the rates of transmission of the virus over the past week.

This number has increased dramatically over the past eight days. By early August, only ten counties had virus levels high enough to warrant masks. Warren County was the last county to see rates exceed the threshold.

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The nine counties now considered to have “high” levels of COVID-19 activity are Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem. All other counties are considered “substantial,” the next step down.

The categories are based on a combination of new cases per 100,000 people and the COVID-19[female[feminine test positivity rate over the previous seven days.

The masking recommendations were issued earlier this month amid the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant, which has become the predominant strain of the virus. CDC concerns cited increased risk of transmission, even among those who are fully immunized.

New Jersey reported 1,208 new cases of COVID-19 and six additional deaths on Sunday. The seven-day average of new confirmed positive tests rose to 1,222 cases on Sunday, up 40% from a week ago and 464% more than a month ago. This is the highest seven-day average for more than three months.

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Katie Kausch can be reached at [email protected]. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.

Michael Sol Warren can be reached at [email protected].