When to Wear Masks in the Age of Vaccines

So you’ve gotten your vaccination shot(s)! Congratulations! But with many people still wearing masks around you, or maybe from hearing different advice from friends and family, you’re unsure if you still need to wear a mask when out in public. After all, since you’ve gotten vaccinated, shouldn’t you not be a danger to yourself or anyone else?

The short answer is: yes! After getting the vaccine at one of the COVID-19 vaccine centers near you, you can become much more lenient with wearing a mask when going out. However, it’s important to remember we’re not totally in the clear yet. While it is nice that we’re getting closer to a new normal, you should bring a mask with you when you go out, just in case of local regulations or to be considerate to others.

Here’s when you should wear masks in public.

Local Business Regulations

Business owners can’t tell who is and who isn’t vaccinated, so some may continue to enforce a mask policy when inside their stores. Business owners have this right, even if you have been vaccinated. Bringing a mask not only helps them feel more comfortable, but means you can shop freely without worry.

If you’re not fully vaccinated (which means you’ve gotten your shot(s) AND you’ve waited two weeks), you should continue to wear a mask whenever you’re in a public place. Doing so helps keep everyone safe and healthy.

Federal Regulations

According to federal guidelines, there are still places across the country that you must wear masks, regardless of if you’re vaccinated or not. When riding public transportation, whether it’s a bus, train, airplane, or taxi / ride-sharing service, you must wear a mask. It’s also required that you wear a mask at bus stops, train stations, and airports.

For children, masks are required at schools, day cares, and summer camps for everyone age 12 and up if they are unvaccinated. Fully vaccinated children don’t have to wear masks at all, and no masks are required for any outdoor activity.

Courtesy

While many people are excited to start living mask free as vaccinations roll out, there are many people who are still wary about living without masks. Remember that we’re not out of the pandemic yet, and people’s worries during this time are still valid, even with more vaccinations happening everyday. So if you’re out in public and someone asks if you can put a mask on, do so out of common courtesy. It will help them feel safe, and it’s a simple

Without knowing who is and who isn’t vaccinated, it’s understandable that people might have fears of being around strangers without masks . People have different reasons for not having gotten vaccinated yet, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Over the coming months as more and more people get vaccinated, people will begin feeling safer about going out unmasked; being courteous during this time will only help excel that.

Getting vaccinated

If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, it’s easy for anyone in Hawaii age 12 and older to get one! Getting a vaccine is free, and helps us get closer to a safe, normal world. There are COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout Oahu, as well as pharmacies near you, where you can get vaccinated quickly and easily!

If you need help getting tested, Urgent Care Hawaii is here to help! Call us at 808.456.CARE, and we can help you set it up, and answer any questions you might have.

Do your part, and visit a COVID-19 vaccine center near you today!