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If you’re anything like me, you have masks stashed everywhere: in your car’s glove compartment, in your purse, throughout the house, and even in random pants pockets. My partner and I keep disposable masks in both of our vehicles just in case one of us forgets our cloth mask. With three-quarters of my family fully vaccinated, I find myself puzzled by the mixed messages surrounding mask policies. Some venues enforce mask rules, while others do not. So, what’s the right choice? Should you shop without a mask? Do you mask your children, or not? As a cautious mother, I choose to wear a mask in public and ensure my kids do the same.
The last time I noticed such concern on Dr. Smith’s face was when misinformation about COVID-19 was rampant. With new CDC guidelines on mask usage and conflicting information from various health organizations, the uncertainty is overwhelming. What we do know is that the Delta variant is rapidly spreading, accounting for about 83% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. as of mid-July, according to CDC estimates.
Feeling anxious yet? In just two weeks, cases of the Delta variant surged by 20%. It’s straightforward—if confirmed cases are rising, why wouldn’t we consider reinstating stricter mask mandates? Yes, we all want to enjoy beach outings, meet new friends, have barbecues, and celebrate surviving a challenging year and a half.
But the truth is, it’s not safe to be maskless right now. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to balance safety with the desire for social interaction. The WHO urges mask-wearing, as does Dr. Johnson, who recently advocated for reinstating mask mandates in light of rising case numbers globally. The WHO is evaluating the pandemic’s impact worldwide, not just in the U.S.
The CDC, in late June, stated that masks weren’t required outdoors; however, they recommended that individuals over two years old who are not fully vaccinated should wear masks indoors. On July 19, the Pediatric Academy updated its guidelines to recommend universal mask usage. In a CNN interview, Dr. Smith noted, “The CDC always allows local agencies and states to make decisions based on current situations. If the Pediatric Academy believes that mask mandates are necessary, I think that’s a reasonable approach.”
Professor Emily Green from the University of Maryland School of Public Health pointed out that telling people they can go maskless if vaccinated may not effectively motivate those who are hesitant about vaccinations since many anti-vaxxers also oppose mask-wearing. Just like Los Angeles, states need to require masks indoors and outdoors to provide clarity and guidance for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
Ultimately, it comes down to using common sense—wear a mask whenever you’re uncertain about others’ vaccination statuses, which is often the case. Otherwise, we risk spreading illness simply by being around others.
We must unite as a community, getting vaccinated when possible and wearing masks. We need to stay informed about COVID-19 trends and push for state mandates that protect public health. The Delta variant is a clear reminder that we are not yet out of danger, so let’s put aside complacency and prioritize safety.
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Summary
Reinstating indoor mask mandates is vital as COVID-19 case numbers, particularly the Delta variant, continue to rise. Conflicting guidelines from health organizations create confusion, but it is clear that safety measures need to be reinforced to protect public health. Wearing masks, especially in uncertain situations, is a responsible choice for everyone.