4 MA Counties Among Highest Risk For COVID-19 Transmission: CDC

FALMOUTH, MA — COVID-19 is making a comeback on Cape Cod, the Islands and other parts of Massachusetts.

On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket and Bristol counties have "high" community transmission rates, the highest tier the agency gives. All four counties received the designation, as all have more than 100 new cases reported per 100,000 residents between July 28 and Aug. 3, according to CDC data.

Berkshire, Hampden, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties all have substantial transmission rates, meaning they have between 50 and 99.99 new cases reported per 100,000 residents in that same seven-day period.

The latest guidance from the CDC calls for mask-wearing even among those who are fully vaccinated in areas with "high"or "substantial" community transmission. It also recommended teachers, staff and students at schools wear masks nationwide, regardless of vaccination status.

Gov. Charlie Baker has not yet issued a new mask mandate, though the Massachusetts Department of Public Health did update its mask guidance on July 30.

State health officials advised people with weakened immune systems or at increased risk of severe illness — even if they're fully vaccinated — to wear a face-covering when indoors and not in their own home. Those who live with anyone who is unvaccinated were also given the same guidance.