The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventon Thursday said those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear face masks or social distance for each other. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig said the news comes following real-life evidence that the vaccines are highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death…
“But it also seems to have a substantial dampening of infection as well, which is really, really important,” said Hassig.
Hassig agrees with the CDC’s recommendations for those who are fully vaccinated, and she said it should also reassure individuals who are inoculated.
“Because they should then feel comfortable, the reasons for doing it should make them feel even more comfortable moving about in their environment,” said Hassig.
As for how new recommendations will impact Louisiana, Hassig believes dropping the use of face masks for those who are fully vaccinated will not necessarily encourage more individuals in the state to get vaccinated.
“But I don’t think it’s going to be a particular incentive here because the mask mandate has been lifted weeks ago and they didn’t have to do anything for it,” said Hassig.
The most recent update from the Louisiana Department of Health indicates only 30 percent of Louisiana residents are fully vaccinated.
