Short Wave Too soon? The CDC Relaxes Mask Guidance For Fully Vaccinated
May 18, 2021
Allison Aubrey, an NPR health correspondent specializing in public health, joins the conversation about the CDC's new mask guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals. They discuss the public's mixed reactions and the implications for businesses and essential workers. Critics voice concerns that it's too soon to relax mask mandates, particularly in the face of vaccination inequities in marginalized communities. They also touch on the growing interest in vaccinating children and address the phenomenon of breakthrough infections among the vaccinated.
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Honor System Concerns
- The CDC's new mask guidance relies on the honor system, putting the burden on individuals to do the right thing.
- This raises concerns, especially given the high stakes and lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of honor systems in the U.S.
Essential Worker Concerns
- Essential workers face heightened risk due to frequent exposure to potentially unmasked, unvaccinated individuals.
- Critics like Marc Perrone, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, advocate for continued masking until herd immunity is reached.
Equity Concerns
- The new mask guidance may disproportionately affect Black and brown communities due to lower vaccination rates.
- This raises concerns about equity, especially since essential workers are disproportionately from these communities.