No Mas(k)!

What with the CDC's new guidance:

If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.

Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

Both (and in fact, everyone in the house except Gabi) being fully vaccinated, it looks like we're nearly done with, although, Georgia had to wear one to go the the grocery. But masks won't go quietly. Jazz Shaw at Hot Hair, Some people "may elect to wear masks" after mandates end. Let them

This is most likely a question that depends heavily on where you live, your age, and what social circles you tend to run in. When are we taking off all of these face masks, with or without Big Brother’s permission? I’ve been hearing from plenty of people who have already largely ditched their masks or are growing impatient with the government’s hesitancy to do away with these mandates. But I know plenty of other people (including some relatives) who are not only still wearing them whenever they leave the house but bristle at the sight of others going maskless. As CBS Baltimore points out this week, not everyone finds the idea of wearing masks tiresome. In fact, some are saying that they plan to continue wearing them long after the mandates are lifted, at least into next year. This is more than a personal choice, however, and there may be legal implications involved.

B'more Sun: Maryland lifts COVID mask mandate after new CDC guidance

According to Infectious Disease experts, the United States has had a non-existent flu season because of the precautions taken to combat Covid-19. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, suggested wearing a mask may become a seasonal practice.

“People might actually elect to wear a mask to diminish the likelihood of spreading these respiratory diseases,” said Dr. Fauci.

We posed the question to the public, when it comes to ultimately easing the mask requirement indoors, how are you feeling? We got a range of responses including “relieved,” “uncomfortable,” and “anxious.”

“I think we’re headed in the right direction, but it’s a little bit too early to take the masks off inside,” said Mark Jensen from Baltimore.

OK, so wear one or two if you like
I won't object

 WaEx, The pandemic is over

For some of us (including yours truly), that time has already come. I’ve never worn a mask outside and now I will only put one on if I have to go into a store that requires them. Even then, I’m keeping my eye open for businesses that don’t require them and will patronize them whenever possible.

But that’s not an opinion that’s anywhere near universal. My social media timeline is littered with memes urging people to shun the maskless, even mockingly threatening violence against those who fail to comply. In general, those opposed to these mandates tend to come from conservative circles, particularly among younger folks who aren’t as worried about contracting the novel coronavirus. Liberals tend to fall in line far more quickly, and the elderly (who are at the greatest risk of a bad COVID outcome) also seem to be more inclined to mask up.

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Get In The Robot, Alegrachan ready to roll at The Other McCain.