The Issue: New CDC guidelines that say it’s safe for the fully vaccinated to go maskless nearly everywhere.
Now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has unshackled the fully vaccinated from wearing masks and social distancing, it’s not going to be easy to get the sanctimonious to shed their sheets (“Mask Idiocy All Around,” Editorial, May 20).
These masks have become something much more than a buffer against spreading a horrible disease. They’ve emerged as a badge of honor like solar panels, electric cars and composting.
It rains on the parade of the righteous to be told with some authority that they can relinquish their masks. There will likely be an adjustment period where some fully vaccinated folks will cling to their facial coverings. They’ll want to keep their moral sacrifice and virtue on display. More, they will continue to scorn those who won’t remain on board.
After a period of time though, mask-clingers will start to understand the absurdity of wearing a mask post-vaccination. Common sense will ultimately prevail. They’ll surely find another way to keep us all under their thumb.
Scott Thompson
Bloomington, Ind.
Rescinding the guidelines of wearing masks in public for those fully vaccinated may create new, deep divisions around who is safe from the deadly virus. It may still take more time before we reach full herd immunity and return to a new near normal lifestyle again.
There is also a strong need to get many of the stay-at-home workers to return to their workplaces, hopefully fully vaccinated, to ensure the continued daily operations of the enterprises.
Still many older Americans, though fully vaccinated, are afraid of large crowds such as theaters, sports events, restaurants and religious facilities and they will have some impact on the financial health of these institutions. Seniors represent a fair percentage of their businesses.
The burning question now is how to encourage all to return safely and enjoy the pleasure of these small businesses for years to come.
Bob Sweeney
Warwick, RI
Now that the CDC proclaims no masks and the science is being followed by some politicians, I’m curious what the next politicized subject will be from the Democrats? What else can they use for power and control over Americans?
Vincent Conti
Staten Island
While I applaud that the people who got vaccinated can now walk around, go to gyms, eat at restaurants and even have parties while maskless, I wonder how it’s possible to monitor the unvaccinated. I know quite a few people who refuse to get the shot, for various reasons, and now they will now be going maskless, too.
How are you going to prove otherwise? I have a strange feeling this is going to literally blow up in out faces.
Erica Sloane
New Rochelle
Let’s be totally honest here: Dr. Anthony Fauci is a fountain of misinformation. From the beginning of this pandemic, he has told us nothing but falsehoods (“ ‘Saint’ Fauci is a lying sinner,” Mirand Devine, May 20).
As Devine writes, Fauci’s halo has fallen of with a thud. He hasn’t been consistent with anything and actually has confused Americans.
Wouldn’t it be grand if Fauci just disappeared and allowed common sense to win out? He has talked about the science, which is nothing more than hyperbole meant to confuse rather than to explain .
From double-masking to no masking, Fauci isn’t credible.
Ron Zajicek
Cortlandt
Devine’s piece on the sainted Fauci should clarify what a disingenuous creep he actually is. His constant flip-flopping guidance on how to deal with COVID left people confused and fearful.
His recent admission he’s continuing to wear masks well after being vaccinated is inexcusable.
Robert DiNardo
Farmingdale
The CDC finally gave permission for all vaccinated persons to no longer wear masks inside or outside. Free at last,
Rich Klitzberg
Boca Raton, Fla.
