The latest A summer surge in cases, and the rise of the more transmissible delta variant, has caused the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to update its recommendations for wearing masks: Everyone, whether or not they had a vaccine, should wear masks indoors in communities where coronavirus transmission is high. That guidance aligns with what other countries and the World Health Organization have been advising recently, too. This is, potentially, a wrinkle in employers' plans to have workers return in-person. The CDC also said all students, teachers and school staff should wear masks when inside. Previous guidelines from the agency said face coverings were needed only for the unvaccinated in schools. Its new advice lines up with that from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Kids shouldn't need masks to play outside, though, unless it is crowded, the CDC said. An increasing number of mandates – of the mask and vaccine type – have been ordered in recent days. The Office of the Attending Physician, Brian P. Monahan, issued a mask mandate for all House of Representatives offices and chambers, causing anger among House Republicans. President Biden is set to announce a plan this week to require vaccines for federal workers. Federal employees who don't get vaccinated must be tested often. And, outside the U.S., workers in Russia who do not get vaccinated could face suspension without pay. As more cities, states and businesses order workers to get vaccinated, expect legal challenges to surface, too. But U.S. courts, as it stands now, are defending vaccine requirements. Two federal district courts have already decided in favor of institutions that directed people to get vaccinated. A hospital that ordered employees to get vaccinated and a university that ordered vaccines for staff and students on campus were allowed to continue those directives. Businesses are seeking patrons who have had their shots, too. In San Francisco, bars and clubs had seen a "very concerning surge" in vaccinated bar workers getting sick, as one owner said. Starting this week, a coalition of 500 San Francisco bars will ask customers to show proof of immunization to enter. Immunized people will soon be able to enjoy an overseas perk: England announced Wednesday its borders will be open to vaccinated U.S. and European travelers later this summer. Starting Aug. 2, visitors from the United States and the European Union can enter the country without quarantine. And if you're thinking of a trip across the pond, note this – cases were expected to soar in Britain, after England's economic reopening, but instead they are falling. Still, leaders and health experts there say celebrations would be hasty. Other important news Taking a vacation this summer? The delta variant's spread means ubiquitous masks and international complications. Nevada has revived its mask mandate, upsetting some tourists travelling to Las Vegas. Black, Asian and Latino students have shown the most significant increases in at-home schooling. The pandemic was a factor – but there were others, too. Thirteen months at home during the pandemic were a healthy reprieve for this keytar player. But now she must return to her job as a senior caregiver. Many Americans are trying to regain a sense of normalcy after more than a year of the pandemic. What unexpected problems have you faced? Share your experiences with us here. Also, on Friday, reporter Joel Achenbach and I will be answering questions about the delta variant via a live online Q&A. If you have a question about the delta variant, we can try to answer it – please let us know here. | 
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