Face masks: Should vaccinated people mask up with COVID cases rising?

That depends on your situation, but covering your face in public can provide another layer of protection and help prevent the virus from spreading to other unprotected people.

The easing of safety precautions and the large numbers of people still unvaccinated in many areas are contributing to the spread of cases around the world.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not changed its advice that fully vaccinated people can safely go without a mask in most situations. But Dr Rochelle Walensky, the agency’s director, said local decisions about the masking mission could vary depending on vaccination levels and whether there is a spike.

Los Angeles County recently began requiring residents to wear masks indoors for example, regardless of vaccination status, and officials in New Orleans are urging people to do the same.

While the COVID-19 vaccine significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and death and is still effective for the variants, some experts say wearing a mask is a reasonable precaution because it is still may be infected.

Masks can also help prevent the spread of the virus to very young unvaccinated children and people with weakened immune systems.

“I personally continue to wear a mask when entering public spaces outside of my household,” said virologist Angela Rasmussen of the Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Foundation at the University of Saskatchewan. protect themselves and for the benefit of the community.

Dr William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, said the “belt and hang” approach also makes sense for people who are older or have health problems and are prone to serious illness. more if infected.

“I’m pretty healthy, but my hair is gray. So when I go out to the supermarket, I have to wear a mask,” Schaffner said.