Mask, Can We Take It Off... Leading Vaccination Countries Facing Confusion

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The issue of mask-wearing is causing controversy in countries leading in COVID-19 vaccinations. While some argue that masks can be removed both outdoors and indoors, others insist on continuing to wear them due to the spread of the Delta variant.

According to the Telegraph on the 4th (local time), British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce the complete lifting of COVID-19 lockdown measures at a press conference on the afternoon of the 5th.

Specifically, Johnson plans to abolish regulations such as mandatory mask-wearing, maintaining a distance of over 1 meter, and bans on indoor gatherings of more than six people and outdoor gatherings of more than 30 people starting from the 19th.

In pre-distributed materials, he stated, "Thanks to our successful vaccination program, we are cautiously moving forward according to the roadmap," but pointed out, "However, the pandemic is not over."

He added, "As we begin to learn how to live with the virus, we must carefully manage the risks of COVID-19 while making judgments in the process of continuing our lives."

Confusion over mask-wearing is emerging in the UK. Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said regarding mask-wearing, "Different people will reach different conclusions," but added, "Rather than the country telling people what to do, individuals should be allowed to make their own choices." When asked if he would stop wearing a mask in the future, Jenrick said, "I will. I don't particularly want to wear a mask, and many others will feel the same."

On the other hand, Professor Adam Finn of the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) emphasized that mask-wearing is very important in certain situations and that he personally will wear a mask indefinitely. Professor Stephen Powis, Medical Director of NHS England, said, "Some people will wear masks in complex environments or specific situations, and that is not a bad thing," adding, "It is good to maintain habits that reduce infections."

A source told the Telegraph that the UK government will leave the decision on mask-wearing in complex and enclosed spaces to "common sense." The source said, "Just like handwashing, people will continue to be urged that wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces is probably the sensible thing to do."

Transport for London (TfL) expressed that it might require mask-wearing if it helps customers return to the subway.

The World Health Organization (WHO), citing the global spread of the Delta variant, recommended that even vaccinated individuals wear masks indoors. In contrast, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidelines in May stating that fully vaccinated people can remove masks in most indoor and outdoor settings except on public transportation, hospitals, and schools.

However, the situation in the U.S. has recently changed. On the 4th, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), appeared on NBC and stated that even vaccinated Americans in areas with low vaccination rates should wear masks.

Dr. Fauci said, "If you are in an environment with high infection levels or low vaccination rates, additional measures are necessary. Even though vaccines are very effective, we need to be especially careful to secure additional protection." He warned, "No matter how effective the vaccine is, it cannot prevent COVID-19 infection 100%."

Regions like Los Angeles (LA) and St. Louis County in the U.S. have reinstated indoor mask-wearing recommendations regardless of vaccination status due to the spread of the Delta variant.

Nearly 100 countries worldwide have confirmed Delta variant infections, and recently, 25% of new cases in the U.S. have been identified as Delta variant infections.

Jeff Zients, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, appeared on CNN the same day and, when asked if the federal government prefers local governments in low vaccination areas to reinstate mask mandates, said, "What we prefer is protection through vaccination," but added, "If you are not vaccinated, you should wear a mask to protect yourself and others."

Israel, which is vaccinating its population at the fastest rate globally, lifted the indoor mask mandate on the 15th of last month but reinstated it within ten days after a surge in infections. Most countries with high vaccination rates are moving in the direction of removing masks and then putting them back on.

The UK, the U.S., and Israel are countries that have rapidly conducted COVID-19 vaccinations since the end of last year. In the UK, 63% of the total population has completed vaccination, and 86% have received at least one dose.

According to the U.S. CDC, currently, 58% of American adults aged 18 and over are fully vaccinated, and 67% have received at least one dose.

Israel, which expanded vaccination eligibility to those aged 12 and over, currently has about 62% of its population having received at least one vaccine dose, and 59% have completed two doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.