COVID-19 cases are increasing, so guidelines regarding masks for vaccinated Americans may soon change. Anthony Fauci stated on Sunday that it is being considered to recommend that people who have been vaccinated already wear masks. He also said that he is participating in these discussions. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that people who have been vaccinated can ignore masks, local officials insist on masks for all. Fauci stated that the two are compatible and noted that the CDC allows for a lot of flexibility to local officials.AdvertisementLos Angeles County officials and St Louis, Missouri officials have recently reinstated indoor-mask mandates. Others are currently evaluating whether they will follow their lead. Fauci stated that it is evident from the data that the United States is moving in the wrong direction. He also said that he is frustrated at the fact that the country is seeing an increase in cases at a moment when the United States, unlike other countries, has enough vaccines.AdvertisementAdvertisementDr. Anthony Fauci claims that the US is moving in the wrong direction as Covid-19 cases continue to rise, especially among the unvaccinated. https://t.co/BtMUrX2WfD #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/QxPOQ3d2J3 State of the Union (@CNNSotu) July 25, 2021AdvertisementYou can see the inflection in the curve of new patients and, as Fauci said in the interview, it is among those who are not vaccinated. Fauci stated that 50% of the country has not been vaccinated. It has become a problem among the unvaccinated. Fauci said that it is particularly important for local leaders and advocates to encourage people to get vaccinated. Fauci stated that he would like to see more leaders from areas not currently vaccinating get out there and urge people to get vaccinated. Fauci also stated that booster shots might be possible and that priority would go to those most at risk, such as transplant and cancer patients.AdvertisementAdvertisementScott Gottlieb, the ex-commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, stated on CBS Face the Nation, that masks can still be useful for people who have been vaccinated in areas with high levels of the virus transmission. Gottlieb stated that if you are around vulnerable people and you have been vaccinated, and you don't feel well, it is a good idea to get checked out. Gottlieb also stressed the importance of quality masks. He said that if you can find a KN95 or N95 mask, you will have a lot better protection.
