Perspectives: Divides on Public Health Measures as Pandemic Ends
Summary from the AllSides News Team
As the COVID-19 pandemic comes to a close, people remain split on continued public health restrictions, including mask-wearing and social distancing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidelines earlier this month saying vaccinated people could ditch the facemask in most situations; the vaccines approved for emergency use in the U.S. are between 65 and 95% effective, based on clinical trials. Governments in 20 states, as well as Puerto Rico and Washington D.C., still require masks in most indoor public settings.
Voices are divided across the spectrum. Some left-rated voices say that they're not yet ready to stop wearing facemasks, citing the lack of 100% vaccine effectiveness and arguing that wearing a mask "says to those around us that, whatever our vaccine status, we value community safety." Some right-rated voices highlighted positive data about infection rates and the vaccine rollout, and said overbearing public health restrictions and guidance had "paralyzed the nation with fear." Other voices advocated for a combination of informed caution and willing return to normalcy. Last week, AllSides explored more about polarization around masks and vaccines in our Perspectives section.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Right
Risk of COVID is now very low — it’s time to stop living in fear: doctorCOVID cases are collapsing in front of our eyes. Daily cases are now one-tenth the number of daily flu cases in the middle of a mild flu season, with a now-identical case fatality rate. That’s because the few Americans testing positive are often young, feel fine, and underwent testing as a screening requirement for playing sports or attending gatherings.
The US positive rate is now at a record low, below 3%. Projections for the coming weeks and months are even more favorable. That’s because roughly 80% to 85% of adults are now immune...
From the Center
Prescription for pandemic end: Masks off, vaccines onShould you still wear a mask in close quarters in a store, a restaurant or a gym if you haven’t been vaccinated? Yes, you should. What if you have been fully vaccinated with two shots of an mRNA vaccine? It’s probably not necessary to mask up but I still would, as a precaution against the very small chance that you could pick up the virus and transmit it to others.
It turns out the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be aerosolized, meaning that it can hang in the air. Hence, poor ventilation and length...
From the Left
Excuse Me If I’m Not Ready to UnmaskIn Rob Reiner’s 1987 cult comedy, The Princess Bride, Fezzik asks the mysterious man in black a question as they scuffle atop the Cliffs of Insanity: “Why do you wear a mask? Were you burned by acid or something like that?” “Oh no,” replies the masked stranger, secretly a humble stable boy. “It’s just that they’re terribly comfortable. I think everyone will be wearing them in the future.”
This quote, from one of the world’s most quotable movies, got passed around a lot last spring, in the early days of the coronavirus...
AllSides Picks
March 28th, 2024
March 28th, 2024
March 28th, 2024
March 27th, 2024
Discuss & Debate polarization
March 28 at 5pm PT / 8pm ET Crossing Party Lines