As Covid-19 vaccination numbers reach 50%, mask mandates are loosening and businesses are opening to full capacity. Crowded and high-populated areas, like public transportation and hospitals, continue to require masks, but many public places only require them for those who have not been vaccinated.
Here are five reasons why you should continue to wear your mask even after you’ve been vaccinated.
It May Be Required In Some Places
While traveling, wear a mask on buses, trains, and airplanes regardless of your vaccination status. Public transportation holds many people in a small area, which can potentially spread contagious viruses—Covid-19 and otherwise. Additionally, it’s impossible to know which passengers may have been exposed to a new variant, or how effective the vaccine will be on new variants. It’s especially important to consider wearing a mask when traveling outside of your town, city, state or country. The local rules regarding mask use in public varies significantly.
While many are tired of masking up, wearing a mask in high-populated areas like public transportation can slow the spread and maintain public safety.
Protect Those Who Are Unable To Get Vaccinated
Many who were not included in the vaccine trials, such as women with high-risk pregnancies or those at risk of allergic reactions, are opting out of vaccinations. The CDC only recommends the vaccine to children over the age of twelve, which leaves those younger unvaccinated.
Many people are still at risk of getting Covid-19, and wearing a mask—even after vaccinations—can help protect them.
Reaching Herd Immunity
Experts believe that to reach herd immunity—where most of the population is immune and the risk of spread is low—60 to 70 percent of the population has to be vaccinated. Until we reach herd immunity, the risk of spread is still very real. Wearing a mask can help reduce potential spread in the meantime, helping individuals stay healthy until the risk is diminished.
Cold and Flu Season
During the cold and flu seasons, the virus spread is high, causing many to get sick. Wearing a mask can help prevent this. Seasonal allergy symptoms can also be reduced by wearing a mask outside.
For easy carry, consider a face mask lanyard so your mask will be on hand when you need it. You can attach the ear loops of a mask to clips and wear the lanyard around your neck for quick access.
Large Capacity Indoor Events
Other locations that may require masks are large indoor events, including packed arenas and stadiums. As concerts and sports events fill their occupancy, wearing a mask while among the thousands of strangers can better protect you and keep others safe from the spread of germs.
To ensure you always have a mask ready to go, a mask caddy can keep your mask accessible even when you’re not wearing it. You can hang it in your car and attach your mask to the hook so that it's ready when you need it.
Wearing a mask post-vaccination in certain situations can help you and your community stay safe. It’s important to have a mask on hand for times that it is required like when you’re attending an event, and to have one easily accessible for unplanned instances. At Specialist ID, we have all the tools you need to keep your mask accessible, so it’s there when you need it.