In response to an uptick in positive COVID-19 cases in the state and the emergence of the delta variant, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued new guidance asking residents who are fully vaccinated to wear masks indoors under certain circumstances.

The DPH’s advisory, which was issued on July 30, was based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that came out three days earlier.

According to the statement issued by the DPH, “In light of the information provided by the CDC, and in order to maximize protection of vulnerable individuals from the Delta variant, the Department of Public Health now advises that a fully vaccinated person should wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home) if you have a weakened immune system, or if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is an unvaccinated adult.”

The statement added that “your primary care provider can advise you whether you are at increased risk” and provided the following link to a webpage from the CDC detailing conditions that may put an individual at increased risk: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html

The DPH also emphasized that masks are still required of everyone (vaccinated or not) in the following settings: public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail), healthcare facilities and congregate care settings.