Here's what is bugging me about the latest CDC mask recommendation.

[LuckyCharms]

Last edited Wed Aug 4, 2021, 02:54 PM - Edit history (1)

To paraphrase, the current recommendation is something like: It is recommended that you where a mask indoors, whether you are vaccinated or not, in areas that are experiencing virus hot spots.

Why don't they say something like:

To protect the health and life of yourself and those around you, wear a mask indoors at all times when around others, regardless of your vaccination status, and regardless of the current transmission rate of the virus in your local area. If the virus is currently not "hot" in your locality, it certainly will be soon if national vaccination rates do not increase, and if people take a cavalier attitude about wearing masks and obtaining the vaccine.

These steps are simple precautions that must be taken in order to reduce the tragic consequences that we predict as we anticipate the development and spread of the Delta variant, as well as the creation of newer, and possibly even more deadly variants.

Even mild breakthrough cases of the Delta variant in those who are vaccinated can be onerous, and something that no one would choose to experience or pass on to someone that may not experience a "mild" case.

A mild and temporary inconvenience as related to "individual rights" does not override "individual responsibilities" as a member of society. Do not be a vector that kills another person who may not have the same reaction to this dangerous virus as you do.

Live your life knowing you did the best you could to protect your fellow human beings, including our precious children, who are particularly at risk. This virus causes painful and frightening deaths. Expect updates and changes to these recommendations as we adapt to the ever changing data and the refinement of this data.
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My reasoning:

1) Most people either do not watch the news, and some think the news is fake. Including the term "if you are in a virus hotspot" places the onus on the general public to determine if they are actually in a virus hot spot. This forces the decision to mask onto lay people.

2) Remember the national weather service statement during hurricane Katrina? Remember how it scared the shit out of everyone because it was so direct? Well, I can imagine that statement shook people up enough to save many lives.

[global1]

1. K&R....

[CentralMass]

2. Sound advice. I would rather mask up then become a Delta hotspot detector.

[tirebiter]

3. It doesn't fit on a bumpersticker

[maxsolomon]

9. That's what I was going to say.

The OP seriously overestimates the reading comprehension ability of the Average American.

Hell, I can barely read that - I like paragraphs.

[lagomorph777]

10. TL; DR

I don't usually use acronyms ("Too Long; Didn't Read) but that fits the bill.

[Nevilledog]

4. I agree with you!

[LuckyCharms]

5. .

[Meowmee]

6. Everyone should still be masking up period- we never stopped, all fully vaccinated.

It was obvious when they changed the mask directions. Now delta is spreading everywhere and more people are dying.

[LuckyCharms]

7. We never stopped masking or social distancing either...

We have been taking the exact same precautions subsequent to our vaccinations that we have been taking for the past 510 days.

[Meowmee]

8. Good, glad to hear it

[lagomorph777]

11. Same here.

[Ms. Toad]

12. Agreed. I'm glad to see a measure of sanity returning-

with a number of private entities stepping up where the government (and media) has failed.

[Calculating]

13. Because they want people to get vaccinated

The holdouts will say "what's the point if they want me to wear a mask anyway?". Regardless of breakthrough cases, the risk is still very low to vaccinated people. Many are choosing to take their chances with the vaccine, but refuse to keep wearing masks after that.