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It only measures about 7 x 4 inches – or 6 x 5 inches for a more rugged N95 model – but it’s made a huge difference in our fight against COVID-19. Even the difference between life and death.
The humble face mask has been vital against the dreaded coronavirus since the start of this pandemic, second only to vaccination as a top tool. Hawaii, which has been the most cautious US state in complying with its mask mandate, will finally lift the veil after March 25. After about two years of government mandates, it’s a welcome public policy update for many – but many others here will be just as happy to continue wearing the protective mask.
“Together we have reduced COVID-19 in Hawaii to the point where most of us are safe indoors without masks,” Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday. “At the moment, hospital admissions are declining. Case numbers are declining. We are better at treating people who are infected. Booster shots save lives. And the CDC has classified the state’s COVID-19 community level as low.”
This made Hawaii the last state to give up its state mask mandate or set a date for lifting it. Still, masking is strongly recommended for those over 65, those with compromised immune systems, the unvaccinated, and those caring for those at risk. It is also highly recommended indoors in hospitals, healthcare and long-term care facilities, as well as emergency shelters, correctional facilities and other residential environments.
Although Hawaii’s mandate is ending, the benefits of masking remain as they have always been: to avoid anyone catching the virus and to prevent others from transmitting the disease. After March 25, fewer people wearing masks will allow for more polluted environments – so higher quality N95 masks would be a good choice for vulnerable populations.
With things getting this far against COVID-19, maintaining masking for two more weeks seems like a logical precaution as Hawaii walks around a major pandemic corner, a last-ditch safeguard against any surprise community outbreak.
It’s been less than a week since Safe Access Oahu ended, an island-wide policy that required proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test to enter recreational facilities like restaurants, bars and gyms. Similar policies for neighboring islands have also recently expired. As more people move about more freely but with fewer safeguards, two more weeks of masking will provide a buffer to monitor any transmission spikes as behavior changes.
Additionally, next week is the week-long public school spring break, so maintaining community-wide masking during the break will provide a continuous layer of protection for minors while they are off campus.
In fact, a policy for schools has just been relaxed: On Wednesday, masking outdoors at Hawaii’s 257 regular public schools became optional — although masking indoors will be required beyond March for now.
Currently, covering on airplanes, airport terminals, ships and buses is still required by federal traffic regulations. That order expires on March 18, however, and with lower-case letters across the country expected to announce changes soon.
In Hawaii, even after the mask requirement has passed, residents need to know that businesses have the right to maintain the masks in their facilities, for both their employees and customers. Let’s all remember to respect such policies and the decisions of others.
Be aware that the severity of COVID-19 is decreasing in Hawaii and most US states, but cases are rising sharply in countries like New Zealand, Hong Kong and South Korea. So the threat is clearly not over.
Indeed, Ige said the state will be ready to reinstate the mask policy if COVID-19 cases increase here. Let’s see that doesn’t happen. Maintain healthy habits: Get the COVID-19 refresher, test if symptomatic, stay home if sick, and wash hands frequently. Much like masking after March 25th, keeping our community healthy is a decision and it comes with personal responsibility.
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