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 about returning to normal.
The pandemic made the wearing of masks ubiquitous. In many places, masks are needed to enter restaurants, airports and schools. So when can we stop wearing masks safely?
“I think it’s better to think about this: ‘When can I do X without wearing a mask? “And the answer to that question is really different for different activities,” said Dr. Emily Landon, chief epidemiologist and executive medical director of infection prevention and control at the University of Chicago Medicine.
“I think in time you will do more and more things without a mask. And if there are no cases, then you will have to put your mask back on for more things. ”
Dr. Landon says it is safe right now for people who are fully vaccinated not to wear a mask around those who are fully vaccinated.
“Once I am fully vaccinated, can I spend time with other people who are completely vaccinated in my home without a mask? I think it’s probably pretty safe, “she explained.
The CDC issued guidelines on Monday, saying that fully vaccinated people can gather safely with a small group, such as another household, even if that group has not yet been vaccinated, as long as they are not at high risk of COVID disease. -19 severe.
During the flu pandemic of 1918 and 1919, which killed about 675,000 people in the United States, wearing germ shields, as they were called, lasted for years. But historians point out that resistance, inconsistency and inappropriate masking, along with the use of inefficient materials, have probably prolonged the need.
Texas and Mississippi have recently been completely reopened, canceling mask warrants to join more than a dozen other states that do not require them.
“In order to contain COVID, personal vigilance is still required, in order to comply with safety standards. It’s just that state mandates are no longer needed, “said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Critics say it’s too early.
Dr. Landon says that as positivity rates decrease and vaccination rates increase, we will see that some mask requirements weaken fairly quickly.
“I think that this summer, you will see a lot of people able to do outdoor activities without a mask. I think in the fall you will see that a lot of places will start to relax some of their masking restrictions, “said Dr. Landon.
But it will be some time before immunity is high enough for the entire population to safely hide in public indoor spaces, such as grocery stores and restaurants, when we are around people we do not know.
Dr. Landon says that in the next year or two, the wearing of masks will not disappear completely. If we see cases of virus growing seasonally, as in winter, it may be necessary to wear a mask.
“I think it’s going to be this kind of pushing and pulling, you know, riding the waves of disguise,” Dr. Landon said.
Although it’s too early to throw away your masks – depending on your circumstances and who you’re around – you may be able to wear them less and less.