As this whole pandemic is wrapping up, many people seem to be wondering what they are going to do when it comes to wearing masks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made a statement saying that, “those vaccinated or those who have had COVID can go maskless unless it is required in areas.” Though I agree with this option, there are many positives and negatives to this next step. 

Negatives

The negatives for this solution revolve around the uncertainty of the vaccine. Scientists aren’t sure how long the vaccines will last. If the vaccine wears off and people are not taking proper precautions, their chances of getting sick will continue to rise. Another negative is that scientists are unsure if this vaccine will work against mutated strains of the COVID-19 virus. 

Positives

There are positives for this next step as well. If people dislike wearing masks, and they are required to not wear them if they are vaccinated, there is a chance that more people will get the vaccine. This will help everyone get out of this pandemic sooner. The vaccine might also get people to go out more, causing everyone to begin to go back to a more normal life. This feeling of going back to the “way things used to be”, will help with the recovery process. 

The Next Step

The future of masks, and the pandemic entirely, is still really uncertain. For me, this pandemic has made me realize how unsanitary everything we do in our day to day life is. When flu season comes around I will wear a mask if I take public transportation or if I’m feeling sick.