COVID-19 and Masks: Should You Have a Mask Ready When You Go Out?
4 Minutes
Team Curative
Dec 1, 2020
Many are wondering whether or not masks are still required or needed. This resource provides a comprehensive breakdown of the current state of masks and answers key questions surrounding them, such as:
What are the current CDC guidelines for mask usage in fully vaccinated individuals?
Do I still need to wear a mask in my state/city/town, due to a mask mandate?
As a fully vaccinated individual, is wearing a mask needed to protect my community?
Will COVID-19 variants change guidelines around mask-wearing?
CDC Guidelines for Mask Usage in Fully Vaccinated Individuals
In May, the CDC changed its recommendations regarding masks for fully vaccinated individuals. In most day-to-day situations, fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a COVID mask or maintain social distance from others, even if they are socializing with or in close proximity to non-vaccinated individuals.
However, some exceptions apply. For example, the CDC still recommends that employees in certain occupations wear a mask. Additionally, all individuals are still required to wear COVID masks in certain situations regardless of vaccination status—for example, while traveling and/or in certain hospitals and clinics.
To learn more about wearing a mask as a fully vaccinated individual, use the links below.
If you would like to schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.
Current COVID-19 Mask Mandates by State
Although the CDC provides recommendations and guidelines surrounding the various aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, specific rules and regulations are usually left to state and county lawmakers. Therefore, whether or not you need to wear a COVID mask when you go out may depend largely on where you live.
Click here to see which states have COVID-19 mask mandates in place as of July 29, 2021.
Note that private businesses and healthcare facilities may still require masks even if there is no official mask mandate in place. Before you go out, you may want to call to ask whether or not you need to wear a mask.
Masks for Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Individuals?
According to the CDC, fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks in many situations. However, although COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, no vaccine is 100% effective in preventing disease. Therefore, if you wish to exercise an abundance of caution, you may choose to still wear a mask despite being fully vaccinated.
According to the CDC, non-vaccinated individuals should still wear a mask in many situations. Both fully vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals can click here to see specific situations where wearing a mask is recommended or not recommended depending on vaccination status.
Will COVID-19 Variants Bring Back Widespread Mask-Wearing?
As variants of the Coronavirus spread, including the Delta variant, it will be important to stay updated on public health guidelines to keep you and those around you safe. As researchers learn more about the spread of the Delta variant and effectiveness of current vaccines against it, the CDC may update guidelines around mask-wearing and social distancing.
Takeaway: Your Decision on Wearing COVID Masks
According to the CDC, fully vaccinated individuals may now safely remove their masks in many everyday situations.
Since mask mandates are enforced by state and country officials (and not the CDC), COVID masks may or may not be required depending on where you live, regardless of vaccination status.
To exercise an abundance of caution, you may choose to still wear a mask when you are fully vaccinated, even if you are not required to.
If you would like to receive your COVID-19 vaccine, click here to find a vaccination center near you.
Curative Inc. and its subsidiary, Curative Management Services LLC, engage with medical entities that provide vaccination services.
