In an interview on Sunday night, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stated that masks may become a seasonal occurrence.
Dr. Fauci predicts that many Americans will continue to wear masks, even when they aren’t required, to prevent respiratory illness.
He noted in the interview, “We’ve had practically a non-existent flu season this year merely because people were doing the kinds of public health things that were directed predominantly against COVID-19.”
The comments in his interview trail the CDC’s announcement a week ago that masks are no longer required for fully vaccinated Americans outdoors, unless they’re in a crowded area.
Unvaccinated Americans can also forego masks outside when biking, running, or walking alone or with members of their households.
While some restrictions are loosening, most cities are reporting non-compliance with mask mandates. While some states like Texas are no longer requiring masks indoors, it’s not uncommon to see maskless individuals disregarding local legislature across the country.
Despite the return to some normalcy, at this point, not even half of Americans have had a first vaccine dose and only a third are fully vaccinated.
