MILWAUKEE — The City of Milwaukee Health Department released new mask recommendations following guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control earlier this week. 

On Tuesday, July 27, the CDC recommended that those in areas where transmission was either considered "substantial" or "high" wear a mask in indoor, public places, regardless of vaccination status. 

Over the past month, Milwaukee has escalated from a "low" transmission area to a "substantial" transmission area. 

On Thursday, July 29, Milwaukee's health department said it advises everyone in Milwaukee, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask in indoor, public settings. 

“We are calling on our community to step up and mask up to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe,” said Kirsten Johnson, a health commissioner with the Milwaukee health department. “The most effective way to combat this surge in positive cases is through vaccination, but until vaccination rates improve, we must be willing to take simple steps such as wearing a mask to protect our community and the most vulnerable.”

In a statement, health officials said breakthrough COVID-19 infections in those who are vaccinated are uncommon but still possible. They said vaccines are effective in preventing severe symptoms, hospitalizations and death. However, officials explained that preliminary evidence shows fully vaccinated people who contract COVID-19 can spread the disease to others. 

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