Wearing masks recommended by Cedar Rapids Mayor due to Covid-19 cases spike

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Mayor Brad Hart of Cedar Rapids is urging residents and tourists to the metro region to take extra precaution to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Hart and other city officials have been in touch with Linn County Public Health and health authorities from area hospitals on a daily basis, and they are keeping a close eye on the situation. According to CDC, the transmission of Covid-19 in Linn County, as well as in other Iowa counties, is on the highest level. As of Friday afternoon, the vast majority of states and counties in the United States were in the high category.

Hart is asking residents to act with increased diligence due to the high spread. In areas with substantial and high transmission, the CDC recommends everyone, including those who are fully vaccinated, wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent spread of the Delta variant. Scientific studies have shown face coverings over the mouth and nose significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The CDC recommends all individuals 12 and older get vaccinated. Those who are fully vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna and are moderately to severely immunocompromised should receive a third dose. Earlier this week, U.S. health officials announced a plan to offer booster shots for the general population starting next month. COVID-19 vaccinations are readily available.