Businesses & Schools Holding Meetings After Release of New CDC Mask Guidance

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.- A map from the CDC shows that Sussex County is near high transmission of COVID-19 and its variants.

Now, local businesses are talking about what their next steps, after the CDC announced new guidelines urging even vaccinated people to wear masks in some places.

Grain On The Rocks General Manager Jason Meisner says safety of guests and staff is at the top of mind.

"The number one discussion we have are the rates," Meisner said. "Are they climbing? Are they falling? Are they stagnant? Our conversation piece literally every Wednesday at 10 a.m. across all of our businesses."

Meisner added that the company cannot mandate wearing masks but they do recommend it to every staff member.

Mountaire Farms company leaders met today to discuss if a mask mandate needs to be put in place. The poultry company is following the previous guidance with fully vaccinated employees not having to wear masks.

The CDC also recommends students, teachers, and staff go back to school with masks regardless of vaccination status. Cape Henlopen School District will not make a decision on masks until August.

There are differing opinions from fully vaccinated people whether or not they would follow the recommendation and wear masks indoors. Timothy Muse of Alliance, Ohio says he would like the extra protection while Cameron Langford of Millsboro says the vaccine is enough.

"I would not be opposed to wearing a mask indoors again especially in a high-crowded area," Muse said. "I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea even fully vaccinated to go back to wearing a mask."

"I don't think I would just for the simple fact I am fully vaccinated," Langford said. "And I mean I feel pretty safe right now."

A spokesman for Delaware Governor John Carney told WRDE they are reviewing the CDC guidance and will provide updates as they come. He says vaccines continue to be the best way to reduce COVID-19 especially with the Delta variant circulating in Delaware.

If the orange turns to red, the talks of mask mandates being put in place could heat up.