The guidelines are likely to factor in the capacity of hospitals in a local area as an important indicator of the level of risk. With hospitalizations declining across the nation, that may allow the great majority of Americans to drop their masks. About 60,000 people are hospitalized with Covid nationwide, but those numbers have dropped by about 44 percent in the past two weeks.
Most states have already eased rules for mask-wearing, and some, like New Jersey, have announced plans to lift mandates even in schools. Others are poised to end indoor mask mandates in the coming weeks. But an official recommendation from the C.D.C. may hold some sway in districts that have been more cautious.
Many businesses have shifted to requiring only proof of vaccinations. But masks are currently required on public transportation, including airplanes. The current mandate is scheduled to remain in force through March 18, and may be extended.
Last year, the C.D.C. was sharply criticized for lifting mask restrictions too soon, only to have the Delta variant of the virus surge throughout the nation. This time, however, many public health experts support the easing of mask guidelines.
Recent polls have indicated that the public’s patience with Covid restrictions is waning. Nearly half of Americans surveyed thought the nation should “learn to live with” the pandemic “and get back to normal,” according to a recent Yahoo News/YouGov survey. About 70 percent of Americans believe “it’s time we accept Covid is here to stay and we just need to get on with our lives,” according to a recent poll by Monmouth University.
Source Article from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/24/health/the-cdc-will-soon-loosen-indoor-mask-guidelines-officials-say.html
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