New Phase Of Pandemic Met With Confusion And Exhaustion

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The United States has reached yet another turning point in this pandemic—one that may feel particularly unrelenting and confusing.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated guidance to return to masking indoors, despite vaccination status, after finding that even vaccinated individuals can spread the Delta variant of COVID-19.

But the CDC's guidance is directed at regions with a spread of the virus that is considered "substantial" or "high."

Dr. Ranit Mishori, professor of family medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine explains why the CDC sending a more uniform, consistent message would have been more helpful than piecemeal masking orders.

And professor of health policy and political analysis at Harvard University, Robert Blendon, shares what his recent poll reveals about the kind of public messaging that may help convince unvaccinated Americans to get their shot.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

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This episode was produced by Lee Hale and Jonaki Mehta. It was edited by Fatma Tanis. Additional reporting from Laurel Wamsley. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.