Does the lifting of mask mandates mean you shouldn’t wear a mask anymore?
Source: VietFactCheck
Claim: With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 decreasing nationwide, many states have lifted their mask mandate and you no longer need to wear a mask in public indoor settings.
Rating: This claim is MOSTLY TRUE.
Mask mandates do vary county by county but for the most part, you no longer need to wear a mask in public. But if you have a compromised immune system, or are caring for elderly adults or anyone with a weak immune system, it is still strongly recommended that you still wear a mask when you go out to protect the vulnerable members of your family.
With the decline in infection rates and hospitalization rates of COVID-19, many states, including California and New York, lifted the mask mandate for people when they are out in public. Masks are no longer required for most public indoor or outdoor spaces.
But masks are required in some school districts, in healthcare settings such as a hospital, and on public transportation such as buses and planes. Masks are strongly encouraged in K-12 schools and childcare but are no longer required.
California still “recommends” masks in public indoor settings but it does not require them. Private businesses are also still allowed to require masks before you enter their establishment, and if they do, you must comply with their rules or else you could be guilty of “criminal trespass.”
And if you are immunocompromised or are caring for elderly adults or anyone with a weak immune system, it is still strongly recommended that you still wear a mask when you go out to protect the vulnerable members of your family.
And if you are unvaccinated, it is recommended that you also still wear a mask in public, because unvaccinated people are at the greatest risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and becoming severely sick.
If you must wear a mask, wear one that is well-fitted and well-made, such as an N95, KN95, and KF94. More information on what type of masks you should wear can be found here.
To find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster near you, go to https://www.vaccines.gov/.
To volunteer for a clinical trial, go to https://www.researchmatch.org/.
