Mask Mandate For Fully Vaccinated Lifted

[DemocratSinceBirth]

Americans who are fully vaccinated can go without masks or physical distancing in most cases, even when they are indoors or in large groups, federal officials said Thursday, paving the way for a full reopening of society.

The change represents a huge shift symbolically and practically for pandemic-weary Americans, millions of whom have lived with the restrictions for more than a year. A growing number have complained they cannot do more even after being fully vaccinated and criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of being overly cautious. More than 117 million Americans are now fully vaccinated, or about 35 percent of the population.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/05/13/cdc-says-fully-vaccinated-americans-no-longer-need-masks-indoors-or-outdoors-most-cases/

[Claire Oh Nette]

1. Mandate removed too soon?

That's the end of masks.

The vaccinated don't need them. The vaccine hesitant need to step up and take their shot, or keep waring masks. They won't.

Just like last summer we acted like warm weather mad the virus go away and obnoxious maskholes emerged, the unvaccinated will ditch their masks and lie. This is why we need some kind of vaccine passport. Americans can't be trusted to do the right thing, or be honest.

Sure, I want to go back to "normal." But lifting the mask mandates should be tied to statistics. When your State reaches that magical 70% immunity from exposure or vaccine, then, and only then can we safely stop wearing masks.

[brer cat]

2. I agree.

I live in a low-vax area and I will continue to wear a mask when I am out.

[Buckeyeblue]

6. Health Insurance companies should charge the unvaccinated a surcharge

Just like they do for smokers.

Given the high protect rate of the vaccine, if I'm 2 weeks out from my final dose, there shouldn't be a medical reason for me to wear a mask. Unless I'm missing something.

[Claire Oh Nette]

8. You're right--economic penalties

Businesses will, I hope, require some proof of vaccination, lest they face liability. McConnell tried to sink COvid relief unless corporations and small businesses had blanket liability waivers.

And yes. If smokers have to pay more because they are deliberately increasing their risk for heart disease, cancer, and stroke, then anit-vaxxers damn well better pay more because they carry higher risks. Frankly, if they're hospitalized and it comes out they refused the free vaccine, then the insurance company is within its rights to not cover treatment. Until the free-rider, anti science, smarter than the CDC/FDA/Research Pharmacologists hurt in the wallet, tehy'll continue to selfishly inflict harm on the Public.

Higher health insurance costs, and bans on their use of hotels, airplanes, entrance to concerts, and any other financial incentive.

No wonder we have to vaccinate babies.

[Buckeyeblue]

10. I agree with you 100%

[forthemiddle]

12. Should obese people pay higher premiums?

There is a great big rabbit hole you could fall into if you endorse higher premiums for bad health decisions.

[Buckeyeblue]

15. No. Obesity is a disease. Not a choice like not getting vaccinated.

[Hugin]

3. That's nice. n/t

[Calculating]

4. It's at the point where I'm about in favor of dropping all restrictions

There's vaccines for almost everyone who wants them, open everything back up and if the Anti-Vax idiots get Covid I just don't care anymore.

[beaglelover]

14. agree 100%

[chowder66]

5. That's great. I wish I could stop wearing my mask but I have underlying conditions that

make it too risky. I'll be masking until I know a lot more.

[panader0]

7. Some of the covid variants are more contagious and more lethal.

I think the CDC should have waited a bit longer to see if they hit the US hard.
Once the masks are gone, it'll be real hard to get people to put them back on.

[JT45242]

9. Wish it would wait 6 more weeks -- 12-15 year olds only allowed to get vaccine as of yesterday

For our family -- and so many others with school age children -- being vaccinated keeps us safe but our son is still vulnerable.

Just afraid that non-vaccinated will go open season. We have not reached 70-80% vaccination in the overwhelming majority of states.

Our son will get his first dose tomorrow. Won't be considered fully vaccinated until mid-June. Afraid that this is just a little too soon given the variants and vax-resisters.

[Withywindle]

11. I think this is premature

I'll keep mine on for quite a while longer, thanks.

[beaglelover]

13. Yipee!!!

Awesome news!!!!!