need to get back to normality.”
When should you wear a mask?
Right now, the agency recommends universal indoor masking in areas with substantial or high transmission, which is determined by the number of cases per 100,000 and the test positivity rate. The vast majority of counties in the United States fall under those criteria, according to CDC data.
Walensky has previously said mask policies should be made at the local level, based on factors such as vaccination rates and hospitalization. Still, some states and local communities are shifting their strategies as more vaccines and new treatments have become available and the country moves toward a “new normal.”
Choosing whether or not to wear a mask is a personal decision, but experts suggest staying up to date with what is happening in your area and allowing that to determine when it is appropriate and safe to go without a mask. You should also continue to practice preventive measures, such as social distance and regularly washing your hands.
Visit the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more on masks.