Today:

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
CDC
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SARS-CoV-2 Transmission to Masked and Unmasked Close Contacts of University Students with COVID-19 — St. Louis, Missouri, January–May 2021
Weekly / September 10, 2021 / 70(36);1245–1248

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Close contacts with any unmasked exposure to persons with COVID-19 had significantly higher odds of receiving a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result compared with those who had only masked exposure. In addition, close contacts who had multiple exposures, whether masked or unmasked, had higher odds of a positive test result than did those with only a single exposure. The percentage of positive test results among close contacts in this study (30.7%) was similar to that observed in previous studies (approximately 31%) (2,3). Consistent with findings from studies in nonuniversity settings (4,5), the findings from this study reinforce that universal masking and having fewer encounters in close contact with persons with COVID-19 helps prevent further transmission in in-person university settings.

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Wearing masks and having fewer encounters with persons with COVID-19 reduced the odds of transmission in a university setting. In addition, there was no evidence of secondary transmission from either of the two students with only masked exposure who received positive SARS-CoV-2 test results, and who, because of the modified protocol in place, were allowed to forego quarantine. Universities opening for in-person instruction could consider taking mask use into account when determining which unvaccinated close contacts require quarantine if enforced testing protocols are in place. CDC recommends that universal masking be adopted in indoor spaces for vaccinated and unvaccinated persons in areas with substantial or high transmission rates and that masks should be worn in indoor spaces in areas without substantial or high transmission rates if you are not fully vaccinated (9). In addition, CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for individuals aged ≥12 years.

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If you haven’t already done so, get vaccinated.

Wear a damn mask.