Public outcry and confusion ensue after the CDC reverses its public recommendations on wearing masks, and mandates may be on the horizon as President Biden moves toward requiring coronavirus vaccinations among federal employees.

This week on Middle Theory… controversy ensues as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reinstated their mask guidance even among vaccinated Americans in public areas, resulting in confusion and pushback, even from some medical professionals.

However, as numbers of newly infected individuals continue to rise, the most contentious development in recent days involves President Joe Biden’s new push to require vaccinations for federal employees, who otherwise will have to adhere to more strict regulations for wearing masks and testing for the coronavirus. How far will the administration go with its efforts to curb the number of new infections, and what will be the result of the institution of masks and mandates? We examine these questions, and more on this week’s episode of Middle Theory.

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DOLLARS FOR DONUTS

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

* Betty June

* Daniel Baumberger

* Charles Baldwin

* Robert Cramer 

* Edith Wacker 

* Jill Ellis

* Elizabeth Hove

* Connie Fletcher

* Brett Giles

* Brian Davis

* Daniel Richard

* Robert Walshe 

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SHOW NOTES

* MOST NEW CASES: USA reports highest number of new cases in world

* GERMANY: Berlin protesters decry coronavirus measures; 600 detained 

* FRANCE: French police clash with anti-virus pass protesters in Paris 

* NO SHOT, NO SERVICE: Restaurants tell customers, ‘No vax, no service’ as delta variant spreads

* HIDDEN DATA: Significance of 'breakthrough' infections remains unclear; CDC hides data

* CDC reversal on indoor masking prompts experts to ask, ‘Where’s the data?’ 

* CDC INSIDER: Internal CDC document urges new messaging, warns delta infections likely more severe 

* MASK MADNESS: New mask guidelines trigger backlash 

* MASKS ON, MASKS OFF: