In an open letter, North Central Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Mimi McDonell strongly encouraged Wasco, Sherman, and Gilliam county residents to wear a face mask when indoors in public spaces.  She noted with COVID cases increasing with the much more transmissible Delta variant, the use of face masks indoors when in public settings provides protection for individuals who are unvaccinated as well as an additional level of protection from the small but known risk of infection by the virus for persons who already have been vaccinated.   McDonell also said COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, including against the new variant, and remain our most powerful tool in bringing this pandemic to an end.  For those who still have questions or are unsure if getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the right choice, she says to reach out to your health care provider for a discussion.