Irrespective of immunization status, the new recommendations hold.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States significantly loosened its COVID-19 mask regulations on Friday.
Indoor face coverings are no longer advised in 72 percent of the population’s localities. “As a country, we’re in a better position now, with greater tools to safeguard ourselves and our communities,” says the CDC Director, Rochelle Walensky.
Rochelle Walensky mentioned the availability of immunizations and boosters, as well as more access to testing and high-quality masks.
“The overall risk of serious illness is now typically decreased,” Walensky added, citing extensive community immunization.
Indoor mask regulations are being phased out in several states, such as New Jersey.
This announcement comes as the surge of coronavirus infections driven by the Omicron type in the United States has subsided.
Most Americans have grown bored of donning masks as the pandemic enters its third year.
On flights, trains, and buses, as well as at airports and train stations, travelers will need to wear masks.
Travelers regulation will be reviewed by the CDC in the coming weeks since they are set to expire on March 18th.
According to Dr. Amesh Adalja, the revisions made sense given the high transmission rates in the United States but minimal hospitalization rates.
Walensky advised vaccinated Americans to remove their masks anywhere within low-transmission zones last spring, but changed his mind a few months later when it became evident that fully vaccinated persons might spread the infection.
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