The CDC updated mask guidance was exactly the right move.

[Karma13612]

19. The vaccine is available to every american from age 12

Those that wish to be vaccinated, have the opportunity now, even at walk-in clinics in some areas.

The vaccine, I thought, has been deemed effective even for some of the mutations.

There will always be a chance of getting a virus and we must continue to lead healthy safe lives. But, I will no longer keep worrying and unreasonably altering my lifestyle to accommodate those who willfully choose to not wear a mask or be vaccinated.

It would be like saying that I will not drive on the roads since I could contribute to another person getting in a car accident. I will make sure I will mitigate dangerous driving by not drinking alcohol, and I will drive only according to the rules of the road. But, I will continue driving. I am trying to think of another analogy, but am coming up short at the moment.

For those immunocompromised, they have had threats to their health even prior to this virus. For children less than 12, they have caring parents to make sure they are safe. I thought the younger kids were already deemed not at high risk, and that they did not spread the disease. I have trouble believing that. They should be masked.

There will ALWAYS be another virus that will present itself and it could very well be much worse than COVID. I am not throwing away my masks, and my hand-washing strategy has been my mantra my entire 67 years.