2 US Navy members have died from COVID-19 in past week Published Why CDC recommends wearing masks indoors even if fully vaccinated The CDC updated guidance on masks, saying on July 27, 2021, that people in areas of high COVID-19 transmission should wear them indoors regardless of vaccination status. A U.S. Navy medical officer and a reservist died from complications due to COVID-19 in the past week, the military branch confirmed to FOX Television Stations Wednesday. Active duty U.S. Navy Capt. Corby Ropp died on July 23 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. Ropp, 48, was assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Camp Lejeune as the department head of ophthalmology and refractive surgery.