Mask Wearing Seen As Necessity, Frustration For NoVA Readers

VIRGINIA — As the delta variant spurs a rise in COVID-19 cases, mask recommendations — and in some places, mandates — are returning in Northern Virginia. That's why we asked readers what they thought of updated mask guidance.

After Virginia saw COVID-19 metrics improve to the best levels since the pandemic's start over the summer, cases are on the rise again. The state's seven-day average of daily cases is above 1,600, similar to the average in April, according to Virginia Department of Health data. Current hospitalizations are in the 700s after hitting a record low in the 200s. However, there is no notable change in deaths, which dropped considerably after the post-holiday surge in early 2021.

The delta variant, determined to be more contagious than the original COVID-19 strain, has become the predominant variant in the U.S., making up over 80 percent of cases in the two weeks through July 31. The VDH said the delta variant is the most common variant in Virginia, contributing to the rise in cases in the state.

Due to the delta variant contributing to rising cases, the CDC updated its mask guidance to recommend masks in indoor public places in places of substantial or high transmission of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. The previous guidance had been no masks for people who have been fully vaccinated.

Virginia no longer has a statewide mask requirement for fully vaccinated people since the mandate expired on May 15. In light of the new CDC guidance, some local government facilities and businesses brought back an indoor mask requirement regardless of vaccination status. K-12 schools are also directed to implement a mask requirement indoors, per CDC guidance. Masks remain federally required on public transportation.

We asked readers in several Northern Virginia Patch towns about what they thought about the updated CDC recommendation and mask requirement in places such as local government buildings and schools. Responses showed a mix of frustrations with masks, reluctant acceptance and assertions that masks are necessary for public health reasons.

"It's very unfortunate - once again, the United States has fallen behind Canada and Europe because people won't get the vaccine," said Lisa Eberhart on the Old Town Alexandria Patch page. "It impinges on those who care enough TO GET vaccinated. It's sad, and I am all for protecting others, but we should not be having to go [backwards] because of ignorance."

"I never stopped masking in settings with a lot of people (like grocery stores) - so perfectly willing to continue to wear a mask indoors - whatever it takes to keep people safe and stop the transmission of COVID," said Terry Rowe on the Del Ray Patch.

Several readers don't think masking up is a long-term solution. McLean reader Mary Lanese argues that COVID-19 has variants just like the flu and that increased vaccinations are a better solution.

"Are we going to be on permanent mask status? At some point most people need to get vaccinated, and we need to stop the silliness of the masks," Lanese wrote on the McLean Patch page.

"Being vaccinated, I prefer to have a choice over a mandate," said Kingstowne Patch reader VN. "We will probably be dealing with this virus for a long time before it's eradicated, and a mask mandate is not a good long term solution."

Some readers expressed support for masks, noting children under age 12 aren't eligible to be vaccinated yet.

"It's good medical advice designed to keep everybody safe," wrote Norm Hall on the Vienna Patch. "I think everybody should be following the guidelines as long as there is any sense of responsibility to others who live in our community. Just think about all those under 12 who have no way to get vaccinated. Recent reports indicate that delta increasingly affects children."

Gayle R. shared a similar thought on the Del Ray Patch.

"Have no problem whatsoever masking up. Have grandchildren who are not old enough for the vaccine and will do anything to protect them and to protect all our children and those who medically can not get the vaccine," Gayle R. wrote.

Old Town Alexandria Patch reader Madeleine Levy shared a personal experience about attending an unmasked event.

"I prefer wearing a mask when around people and do not wear one when no one is around. I've had no respiratory issues since the mask mandate, but I spent one weekend at an outdoor music festival where attendees did not wear a mask and I have been sick with cold, cough, etc. ever since," Levy wrote. "I am all for wearing a mask and if you are unvaccinated and not wearing a mask, you are not contributing to the well being of others."

Others do not support mask mandates or recommendations.

"Unnecessary and annoying," wrote Del Ray Patch reader Patrick Weeks. "By this logic, nobody should wear a mask indoors during normal cold and flu season. Get your Vitamin D, sunshine, and look at the data instead of living in fear."

Vienna Patch reader John Hynes said the decision should be up to individuals.

"If you have concerns, are immunocompromised, or not vaccinated you should wear a mask to protect yourself," Hynes wrote. "Most young adults and children who get covid do not have serious issues. The exceptions almost always have risk factors. There is a chance you can get covid even if vaccinated but almost always it will be a mild flu or asymptomatic."

Some vaccinated readers aren't fans of masks but will wear them if they believe they're needed.

"I am vaccinated and am not worried about getting COVID," wrote Liz Cullison, another Old Town Alexandria reader. "If I get it, I should get a mild version which is a lot like a cold. I have had worse. I prefer to not wear a mask but do when the request at the door asks me to."

"Being vaccinated might leave me with a milder case should I be exposed but I can also carry a viral load which can infect others," wrote Nancy Fennell on the Old Town Alexandria Patch. "For me it’s a minor inconvenience that makes me feel like I am doing everything possible to stop the spread. I don’t see it as a sacrifice of my freedom or being put upon in any way just basic consideration of those around me. I go about my daily activities as normal and am not in 'fear' of this virus but also respect the lives of others."