New CDC mask guidance could be coming soon

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to update its mask guidance soon.

Sources familiar with the matter say the update could come as early as next week.

The agency is considering a new benchmark for whether masks are needed.

It’s a decision that would be based on the level of severe disease and hospitalizations in a given community.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky discussed the matter at Wednesday’s White House COVID-19 Response Team briefing.

"I want to give people a break from things like mask wearing when these metrics are better, and then have the ability to reach for them again should things worsen," said Walensky.

Sources say the White House is eager for the CDC to provide an update on its indoor mask recommendation, but does not want to appear as though it is putting political pressure on the agency.

Most states have already started lifting indoor masking requirements.