New CDC guidance urges everyone in ‘high-transmission areas’ to wear a mask, even if they’re fully vaccinated

Amid rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country, the Centers for Disease Control is cautioning Americans that they may have to wear a mask, depending on where they live.

"If you're in an area with substantial or high spread of #COVID19," the CDC said in a tweet on Tuesday, "wear a mask in public indoor settings, even if fully vaccinated." They reiterated that while those who live in areas of low-transmission can go without a mask, face coverings are still recommended "if you live with someone who is immunocompromised, unvaccinated, or at risk of severe disease."

On Tuesday morning, National Institutes of Health director Francis Collins made an appearance on CNN's New Day program to discuss preventative measures Americans should take to protect themselves. As Newsweek reports, Collins highlighted the fact that parents should take extra caution when interacting with their children, a demographic that has not been authorized to get vaccinated.

"Parents of unvaccinated kids should be thoughtful about this," Collins said, "and the recommendation is to wear masks [at home] as well. I know that’s uncomfortable, I know it seems weird, but it is the best way to protect your kids."

Collins took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to clarify the message he says he "garbled" earlier that day. "Vaccinated parents who live in communities with high COVID transmission rates should mask when out in public indoor settings to minimize risks to their unvaccinated kids," he said, adding that there was, "No need to mask at home."