January 1, Buckle Up: Mask Mandates Reemerge, More COVID Restrictions Could Follow

With fall on the horizon and the election season looming, a noticeable push to reinstate old COVID-19 measures is evident, even though previous results have been heavily debated, the CDC indicates a significant part of the population over 16 has antibodies, and the “Eris” variant is largely non-threatening.

Recent reports by The Hill have spotlighted several entities reverting to mask mandates, such as Hollywood giant Lionsgate, prompted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Kaiser Permanente in Santa Rosa, California, Upstate Medical’s hospitals, Rutgers University in New Jersey, and Morris Brown College in Georgia.

Adding to the speculation, The Daily Mail suggested a potential mask resurgence for airline travelers.

However, the Transportation Security Administration under President Joe Biden’s Department of Homeland Security has refuted these claims, emphasizing that the “rumors are false.”

But what has sparked this return to face-coverings? A modest increase in hospital admissions. CNN notes a mere 0.004% uptick in nationwide hospitalizations during the week ending Aug. 12.

Considering the relatively low severity of most cases, Dr. Robert Wachter of the University of California San Francisco advises, “If you’re trying to be careful, it’s time to whip out the mask again.”

Similarly, Dr. Jonathan Reiner of George Washington University recommends masks, especially for those taking care of at-risk individuals.

However, a rigorous meta-analysis published in the esteemed Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews revealed that community mask-wearing may not drastically alter the spread of illnesses like COVID-19.

While some evidence hints that certain respirators might be more effective against influenza-like diseases than regular masks, this too remains dubious.

This contradicts previous assertions by health leaders like Robert Redfield, who lauded masks as the “most important, powerful public-health tool we have,” and Rochelle Walensky, who believed that masks considerably reduce infection risks.

Despite the divided opinions on masks, a potential resistance against another mask regime is palpable, even in medical circles. Dr. Albert Ko from Yale School of Public Health said, “I don’t see that as something that we’re likely going to be adopting.”

Dr. Shira Doron from Tufts Medicine asserted that the current statistics don’t necessarily signal an alarming trend.

Britain’s Royal Society, however, champions the previous measures. They praised lockdowns, distancing, and other restrictions as the “most effective” non-pharmaceutical interventions, suggesting their value in any future pandemics.

On the flip side, while some drawbacks of mask-wearing are not entirely discerned, the ramifications of lockdowns, especially for the younger population, are undeniable. Notably, the repercussions on mental health, academic achievements, and other aspects are undeniable.

Interestingly, Just the News shed light on the Biden administration’s recent $5 billion commitment towards COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, with no mention of masks or distancing, hinting at the Department of Health and Human Services’ ongoing focus on the virus.

Certain Washington insiders, like Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), feel that there might be an impending state push for intensified COVID measures.

Boebert vocally stated on Twitter, “I keep hearing whispers of COVID restrictions coming back. Nope, not going to happen. We’re not complying with that.”

As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.

Source