TO MASK OR NOT TO MASK? That is the question, according to local health officials, who are slated to meet next week to review city and county ordinances requiring face masks. Until then, continue to mask up, as required by local ordinances.

Just a few days after the Centers for Disease Control announced fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face mask (except "where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance," according to the CDC), you might be wondering what this means for Eau Claire County. 

In other words: To mask, or not to mask? 

Well, it seems like that is the question, according to a media release from the Eau Claire City-County Health Department. 

While city and county ordinances requiring face covering use in public buildings and spaces still remain in effect (that means: Yes! You should still continue to wear face masks when in a public space indoors, when visiting another household, and outdoors when social distancing isn't feasible), local officials are now slated to revisit these ordinances next week. 

"In consideration of this revised guidance, several special meetings are now slated to take place next week to revisit these ordinances," the media release said. "Such public meetings are required to consider action on any local ordinance." 

As of right now, the state of Wisconsin and the CDC still requires face coverings in healthcare settings; K-12 schools; and for residents and employees of correctional and detention facilities, jails, and homeless shelters, according to the media release. 

"This updated guidance reflects scientific consensus on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against circulating strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus," the media release said. "Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are more than 90% effective in real-world settings in preventing mild and severe disease, hospitalization, and death." 

For more information, visit eauclairewi.gov/government/our-divisions/health-department.