At This Point in the Pandemic, We Should Adopt Commonsense Mask Policies

There are no longer good scientific reasons for most mask mandates

Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are at a two-year record low. Percent positivity rates are only 2.5%, and intensive care admissions are likewise small. So what’s up with mask-wearing? This question has two components: 1) do mask mandates make sense, and 2) where and when should I still wear a mask?

Other than vaccinations, no other area of pandemic prevention has stirred so much controversy and passion as mask mandates. While some mandates made sense at first, for example, in hospitals and doctors’ offices, others, such as schools, have never been definitively proven to have benefits outweighing the risks. Yet, even today, in New York City, the masking of young children is still required. But masking up has been the most controversial and violent on airlines. In a now-dated June 2021 report, 2300 incidents of in-air confrontations were noted. The public has been appropriately appalled by images of some passengers physically abusing airline staff, and in return, some unruly passengers even duct-taped to their seats. It is contradictory that masks should be required in airports and terminals but not on the airline while one is eating or drinking. Today, 10 of the major airline CEO’s asked the Biden White House to remove all mask mandates on their aircraft. Based upon the following graphs, this seems more than appropriate.

Mask mandates could still make sense in hospitals and certain physician offices, like Oncologists that treat high numbers of immunosuppressed patients. But the federal, state, and local government offices, Amtrack, etc., should make mask-wearing optional. And by optional, I mean if anyone feels unsafe, they should wear a good quality mask, like an N-95 or KN-95. I have long supported private businesses deciding about dress codes for their employees and customers. I see no reason to alter that belief now, although it saddens me to see restaurant employees masked-up while all of the customers are not. This policy is mask theater and makes no scientific sense.

The chances of the Covid-19 virus transmission person-to-person outside are low. This fact has been well known now for almost two years. Yet, my local outside Tai Chi group of 25 people still has a few people wearing masks. The only explanation for this must be that they have an irrational fear of contracting the disease. I remind myself to have no judgment about this since it does not affect me directly. The takeaway message is that if, for whatever reason, you feel that you are at high risk of serious illness and or death if you contract the virus, then, by all means, wear a good quality mask indoors.

The time for mask theatrics and political messaging surrounding it should be over. No one can predict the future course of this virus as it has proven unpredictable and fickle up until now. However, at this moment, in most instances, mask-wearing should be optional.

I am a retired MD, and passionate about writing, reading, culture, health, fishing, politics, and food. Get an email whenever I publish by clicking this link:https://davidmokotoff.medium.com/subscribe

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