How does everyone feel about the lifting of the mandates happening everywhere? It seems pretty quick to suddenly be maskless, but I'm sure many will be happy.

I think it's a politically driven decision and very premature. I feel the proof of vaccine mandate should have stuck around for a little while longer.

The mask mandates were politically motivated, not based on science. If they were based on science, the government would have focused on ramping up N95 mask production for everyone -masks that actually reduce airborne transmission of these tiny viral particles. Instead we wore masks that the virus passed right through and around as evidenced by glasses fogging up. People took them off to talk, sneeze or cough which is when they would have been protective against droplet spread at least. Natural immunity is growing dramatically with Omicron. Those people who are high risk should obtain N95 masks and continue precautions for sure, but those who have had Omicron, those who are young and healthy, should not be forced to wear a cloth or surgical mask that does more harm than good. Think about it - if the masks were so effective - why has the virus continued for 2 years? While not pleasant, Omicron is much less pathogenic, providing immunity w much less hospitalization and very few deaths...fewer than from the annual flu. At some point we have to each alone or w/our care providers do a risk/benefit analysis re masks, public exposure, etc. the way we used to do it, free to make decisions on how to protect ourselves knowing our unique situation re age, co-morbidities and immunity rather than a one-size-fits-all mandate from the government that are illogical - children wearing masks with holes cut out of them to play wind instruments for example.

Too quick. And only politically driven.

I think the mask mandates should stay for the unvaccinated seeing how many of the Hospital admissions are unvaccinated. But these are also the same group of folks that are most likely not to wear a mask. And it is also almost impossible to enforce

I feel like the surge mostly happened because families were gathering for the holidays. I’m on the fence about relaxing the mandates. We’ll see how things go in the next few months since more people are vaccinated.

So I noticed two replies which mention the harm that masks cause. Just wondering what that harm is specifically and if there is data to back that up? I work with a population from preschool to 70's and can't really see any harm other than they are annoying. One area of harm may be kids and adults with hearing loss, who rely on reading lips and facial expressions to derive meaning. Other than that I can't really see where there is harm. Just asking. Really, educate me so I understand.

To quick, right after school vacation, should have looked at trends first. Also China is heading for another lockdown. We can not act as an island unto ourselves as what happens around the world migrates here.

Omicron B2 is on its way here if not already. Reportedly much more severe. You may just want to continue to wear the mask in public until we know.

The data supporting masks has been variable so far from the (scant) studies I have seen. Someone can find a study somewhere probably to support one viewpoint. So, that means there is no compelling set of data for masks in my opinion - then when you further try to analyze types of masks, compliance with mandates (which is a large factor), virulence in certain age groups (e.g. the virulence being very low in young children - and add in a "harm" factor to masks i small children) - all-in-all the mask mandate philosophy has insufficient substantiation to support such a vast mandatory policy intervention.

Too sudden and way liberal. Shows it has not really been thought out

It is way past time to unmask, but also to remove all restrictions. It is safer for the population overall to live with COVID than to continue restriction that are clearly erode mental health. All these restriction have hurt public confidence in our health leaders. Has any of them emphasized that the number one reason most have gotten seriously ill is from preventable chronic diseases?
Come on people do yourself good and the rest of us a favor and get physically fit.

I’m happy. Lift the mask mandates and resume normal life. This pandemic has taken enough from us. Let’s go back to 2019 and live our lives.

I think they gov doesn't have a choice. Leas and less people are wearing masks and the unrest is growing daily

I think to mask up or not to mask up is our new normal. There are consequences to the choices made be each one of us. This is the new normal and if a person feels uncomfortable not wearing a mask even if fully vaccinated that is their choice. Choosing where you go or gather is also thrown into the mix. Does the individual want to take that chance or not? Personally, in the type of work that I do I will always wear a mask on the job.

Where I’m at, we’ve been massless since June of 2020. I am so ready for it to be the “normal” for people again and to not worry about being kicked out/fired for not wearing a mask.

Should have been lifted months ago

I’m all for it. There are treatments available and it is mild now. There will always be people who will have more severe symptoms. Europe has done it, we can too.