As a new subvariant of COVID-19 leads to increased hospitalizations across the United States, and while updated vaccines are in development, healthcare experts are advising individuals to consider wearing masks once again, particularly in specific settings such as on public transportation and in crowded areas.
The percentage of people wearing masks outside of their homes in the U.S. declined from approximately 57% in January 2022 to around 27% in January 2023, based on data from the Covid States Project. However, medical professionals emphasize that masks continue to offer valuable protection.
Dr. Andrew Pavia, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Utah and Director of Hospital Epidemiology at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, asserts that masks remain an effective preventive measure. He suggests that while mask-wearing should ultimately be a personal choice, there are specific situations where it can benefit both individuals and the community.
Pavia recommends reconsidering mask usage in crowded public spaces, particularly if:
You are taking care of someone who is immunocompromised: In such cases, avoiding infection is crucial, making mask-wearing a sensible precaution.
You are at a high risk of severe COVID-19 complications: For individuals with elevated risk factors, such as older adults or those with underlying health conditions, wearing a mask in densely populated public settings like airplanes or crowded subways is advisable.
Pavia emphasizes that the goal is to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, and wearing a mask can provide an extra layer of protection in certain situations. While vaccination remains a critical tool in the fight against the virus, masks can complement these efforts and help mitigate the spread, especially in high-risk scenarios.
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