The CDC has issued new mask guidance based on the level of Covid-19 in a specific county.
- In counties with a low level of Covid (green) — individuals are permitted to remove masks.
- In counties with a medium level of Covid (yellow) — individuals who are at high risk for severe illness are recommended to talk to their healthcare provider about whether they need to wear a mask and take other safety precautions.
- In counties with a high level of Covid (red) — individuals are recommended to wear a mask indoors in public.
As the colors on this map change, so will the recommended course of action. That said, as Omicron continues to wane we expect this map to continue to turn more green over the coming weeks.
Three points to make.
First, the CDC mask guidance is just, guidance. It's a recommended best practice that isn't binding on any business or any person. Even if it was binding and mandatory, this guidance is a floor and not a ceiling. You are free to require more for your business or for yourself personally if that's what you think you need to do to feel safe.
Secondly, check your state and local laws. They may require more than the CDC is recommending.
Finally, even if you eliminate masks for your business you will have employees and others who choose to keep wearing them. That's perfectly okay, and they should feel no shame, experience no bullying, and suffer no repercussions as a result.
Yet, if everyone follows this guidance today, masks will disappear for 70% of Americans. It certainly feels like we are in the last days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even if you're not quite ready to ditch your mask, we are all ready to ditch Covid.
I'd like to know what you, my readers, are doing with masks. Please answer this anonymous one-question poll and I'll share the results later this week.