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Two of the most effective protection measures against Covid-19 are the use of masks and getting vaccinated. When there were no vaccines for Covid-19 at the time of its initial outbreak or large population across the globe had not been vaccinated, face masks were one of the most effective protective measures. Use of masks with high filtration capability, such as the N95 masks, was considered the best protective measure. With global population now been vaccinated to a good extent and with millions receiving vaccinations every day, the question is whether the people shall stop using masks? Vaccination has reduced the lethality of the virus, if not total prevention of infection. Is this a good enough assurance to stop using the masks?

However, this post will provide you with opinion of expert bodies dealing with this situation.

What Does the CDC Say?

• COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and effective at avoiding serious disease and death from COVID-19.
• COVID-19 immunizations protect against severe sickness and mortality caused by the virus that causes COVID-19, including the Delta version, which is presently circulating in the United States.
• Even with the Delta version, infections occur in a tiny percentage of patients who are fully vaccinated. When these diseases strike vaccinated people, they are usually minor.
• You can distribute the virus to others if you are fully vaccinated and contract the Delta variant.
•  Even if fully vaccinated, those with compromised immune systems, such as those taking immunosuppressive medicines, may not be protected.
  1. If they are in an area with significant or high transmission, they should wear a mask indoors in public.
  2. Even if community transmission is low, fully vaccinated people may opt to mask, especially if they or someone in their family is immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease or if someone in their household is unvaccinated.
  3. Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
  4. Get tested 5-7 days after close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• For 14 days following exposure or until a negative test result, wear a mask in public.
• Isolate if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days or are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Recommendations for outdoor settings:  

If they or someone in their home is immune-compromised, at increased risk of serious disease, or not completely vaccinated, fully vaccinated adults may choose to wear a mask in busy outdoor situations.

1. Travel: Fully vaccinated travellers are less likely to contract and spread SARS-CoV-2, and can now travel within the United States with little risk to themselves. Due to the emergence of new varieties and the fact that the load of COVID-19 differs internationally, foreign travellers should pay particular attention to the situation at their international destinations before visiting. On flights, buses, trains, and other kinds of public transportation travelling into, through, or out of the United States, as well as indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations, wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is compulsory. Passengers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of a conveyance (like on open deck areas of a ferry or the uncovered top deck of a bus).

1. Domestic travel: Fully vaccinated travellers do not need a SARS-CoV-2 virus test before or after domestic travel if testing is required by municipal, state, or territory health authorities. Travellers who have had all of their vaccinations do not need to self-quarantine after travelling within the United States.
2. International travel: International visitors arriving in the United States should undergo a SARS-CoV-2 virus test 3-5 days following arrival, regardless of immunisation status.

Recommendations for Indoor settings

Wearing a mask in public is especially important for people who are immune-compromised due to the risk of infection. If they or someone in their family is immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is not completely vaccinated, fully vaccinated people may choose to mask regardless of the severity of community transmission. People over the age of 65, as well as those with certain medical issues such as diabetes, obesity, or heart disease, are at a higher risk of developing serious disease. When required by federal, state, municipal, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace suggestions, as well as in correctional facilities and homeless shelters, people who have been completely vaccinated should continue to wear a mask. Prevention measures are still recommended in indoor public settings for unvaccinated people.

Final words

It is recommended that you wear masks at all times if you have a weak immune system and have been completely vaccinated, whether you are in a public place, attending a conference, flying, or riding public transit. A malfunctioning immune system can play a role in you becoming infected with Covid and its variants.