Adapt and survive Our path through this pandemic has taken another turn, unfortunately. New CDC guidelines and news conferences about mask requirements are regular headlines. This change is entirely caused by our better understanding of the new version of the virus, called the delta variant. There is one study, led by scientists at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, that has specifically changed our understanding. This change is a big deal. Before the details, however, I want to highlight that this is what scientific progress looks like. Our understanding is growing. As we gain understanding, the guidelines should change. When I see public officials, such as school board members or, ahem, governors keeping the same rules, I stop trusting them. I worry they are not interested in using our best understanding to set the best rules for public health.