(TheDailyHorn.com) – When state and local government officials instituted mask mandates in 2020, they quickly became controversial in some quarters. Through the spring, COVID-19 infection rates dropped dramatically. Officials credited the rising vaccination rates with the sudden drop. In May, the CDC revised its guidelines, stating that vaccinated individuals could shed their masks in most settings. Consequently, states began dropping their mask mandates.
In recent weeks, the Delta variant has begun spreading quickly in some places in the country. According to US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, 97% of hospital admissions and 99.5% of COVID-19 fatalities have been by unvaccinated individuals in the last several weeks.
TAPPER: "Do you think masks should be brought back for vaccinated Americans?"
FAUCI: "This is under active consideration… Yes, I am part of the discussion." pic.twitter.com/nJ9Om22rwi
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 25, 2021
On Sunday, May 25, Dr. Anthony Fauci said discussions were ongoing to determine whether the federal government should change its existing policy and once again recommend masks indoors for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. He acknowledged he was “part of” those conversations.
Some cities are already jumping ahead. For example, Los Angeles and St. Louis have reinstated mask mandates, and other municipalities are reportedly considering the move. In addition, Fauci stated that officials were weighing whether or not individuals may need a vaccination booster.
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