Yes, there’s now a vaccine, but keep wearing a mask

Even though there are vaccines now being distributed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends continuing to wear a mask, maintain social distance and practice regular hand-washing. According to the CDC’s website, “Experts need to understand more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide before deciding to change recommendations on steps everyone should take to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Other factors, including how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in communities, will also affect this decision.”

Studies have yet to show whether people who have been vaccinated but are asymptomatic carriers can still transmit the virus. And according to many published timetables, a majority of the population will not be vaccinated for months. Therefore, experts speculate that it won’t be until late spring/early summer 2021 that the public can start relaxing on mask wearing. “It’s estimated that about 70 percent of Americans must be vaccinated before we get to herd immunity through vaccination,” Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor at George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, told CNN. “That’s the point where enough people have the immune protection that the virus won’t spread any more. This means about 230 million Americans must receive the vaccine. . . . At that point, we could probably see one another without masks—but not before.”

To be effective, a mask should be fitted to the wearer’s face, with no gaps. Paper masks should not be worn more than once. Fabric masks should be made of tightly woven cotton, with at least three layers of the fabric. It should completely cover the nose and mouth.

Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth.