COVID-19 Resurgence: Is the Mask Era Returning?

In the United States, discussions about mask-wearing have resurfaced due to the resurgence of the COVID-19 virus. According to the Wall Street Journal on September 9th (local time), the recent increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has prompted some schools and companies to reinstate mandatory mask-wearing policies.

 

As the response to COVID-19 varies worldwide, the decision on whether to wear masks can differ by region.

 

Major Hollywood film distributor Lionsgate, based in Santa Monica, California, has made mask-wearing mandatory for its employees since last month in accordance with health authorities' recommendations following an increase in COVID-19 cases. Additionally, cloud company Box has advised its employees not to come to work if they are feeling unwell, leading some employees to voluntarily start wearing masks.

 

In Los Angeles (LA), the number of COVID-19 cases has increased by approximately three times, totaling 73 cases in the past 30 days compared to the previous 30 days. As a result, the LA Teachers Union has urged students in the region to wear masks if they have COVID-19 symptoms, and some schools in Kentucky and Texas have decided to temporarily close due to the rise in respiratory virus infections.

 

However, as of now, there are very few schools, companies, or stores in the United States that are reimposing strict mask-wearing regulations. Education districts across the country have stated that they do not plan to reinstate mandatory mask-wearing regulations and that there are currently no such regulations for the 2022-2023 school year.

 

Even in Georgia's Bibb County school district, where there have been some COVID-19 cases in schools, mandatory mask-wearing or self-isolation rules have not been reinstated. The LA school district, known for enforcing some of the strictest COVID-19 regulations in the U.S., is recommending that parents send their children to school even if they have mild cold symptoms.

 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends mask-wearing based on hospitalization rates in different regions. In areas with low hospitalization rates, individuals without symptoms and no contact with patients are not required to wear masks, while those in high-risk groups in regions with moderate hospitalization rates are advised to wear masks. In areas with high hospitalization rates, everyone is recommended to wear masks.

 

As discussions about mandatory mask-wearing due to the spread of COVID-19 continue to increase worldwide, Italian schools have decided to take additional measures. Mario Rusconi, the president of the Italian Principals' Association, announced that masks would be distributed at local schools. President Rusconi stated, "During the COVID-19 pandemic, we will utilize the surplus resources given to us to distribute masks and hand sanitizers to those who request them," and instructed local schools to minimize student gatherings on the first day of school. However, this mask-wearing is a recommendation rather than a mandatory requirement.

 

As the response to COVID-19 varies worldwide, the decision on whether to wear masks can differ by region. Therefore, it is crucial to take appropriate preventive measures based on the current situation. Wearing masks is particularly emphasized as one of the essential measures in high-risk areas, so it is essential to carefully monitor relevant information and follow guidelines.