CHICAGO – Despite millions of people now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, there is still a long way to go before we can return to our pre-pandemic lifestyle. This week, in a series of reports, we look at some of the big questions that many have to get back to normal.
Wearing face masks is ubiquitous through the pandemic. In many places masks are needed to enter restaurants, airports and schools. So when can we stop wearing masks?
‘I think it’s better to think about it than,’ When can I do X without wearing a mask? “And the answer to the question really differs for different activities,” said Dr. Emily Landon, chief epidemiologist and executive medical director of infection prevention and control at the University of Chicago, explains.
‘I think over time you’re going to do more and more things without a mask. And unless there are cases, you will have to put on your mask again for more things. ‘
Dr. Landon says it is currently safe for people who have been fully vaccinated not to wear a mask around others who have been fully vaccinated.
‘Can I, after being fully vaccinated, spend time with other people who have been vaccinated without a mask in my house? I think it’s probably pretty safe, ‘she explained.
The CDC on Monday issued guidelines stating that fully vaccinated people can also safely meet with a small group, such as another household, even if the group has not yet been vaccinated, as long as they are not at high risk for serious COVID-19 disease.
During the flu pandemic of 1918 and 1919 that killed approximately 675,000 people in the US wearing germ screens, as they were called, years passed. But historians point out that resistance, contradiction and improper masking, coupled with the use of ineffective materials, have probably prolonged the need.
Texas and Mississippi recently reopened in full and the mandate of mask to join more than a dozen other states that is not needed.
‘Personal vigilance, in order to follow the safe standards, is still required to contain COVID. It’s just that state mandates are no longer needed, “said then-Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Critics say it’s too soon.
Dr. Landon says if positivity rates fall and vaccination rates rise, we will see some mask requirements weaken fairly quickly.
‘I think this summer many people can see the outdoors without a mask. “I think in the autumn you will see that many places will relax some of their masking restrictions,” said Dr. Landon said.
But it will be a while before the immunity is high enough for the population to safely disguise themselves safely in indoor public spaces, such as grocery stores and restaurants, if we are people we do not know.
Dr. Landon says the next year or two the wearing of masks will not completely disappear. If we see that virus cases increase seasonally, such as in winter, mask wear may be necessary.
“I think it’s going to be this kind of push-and-pull, you know, ride on the waves of the mask,” said dr. Landon said.
Although it is still too early to throw off your masks – depending on the circumstances and who you are in the area – you may be able to wear them less and less.