Where US, Canada and UK stand on Face Coverings

May 24, 2021 – While the US grants fully vaccinated people the freedom to enjoy a maskless life, Canadian and UK residents will still use facemasks regardless of whether fully vaccinated or not. The two governments are working towards the same by Summer. 

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has introduced a new rule concerning social distancing and musk wearing. On May 13, 2021, the US CDC announced fully vaccinated persons are not required to put on masks while indoors and outdoors. 

“If you are fully vaccinated against COVID19, you can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, incl. local business and workplace guidance,” a tweet from the CDC read. 

The Thursday, May 13 announcement signalled a massive breakthrough in the fight against the deadly Coronavirus as the US infection, and covid-related deaths keep slumping each day, giving a renewed hope for quicker economic recovery. 

According to the CDC Director, Dr Rochelle Walensky, the new regulations opens a path to the pre-covid era where members of the public walked and interacted with each other without masks or keeping social distance. 

“If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic,” said Dr Walensky during a White House briefing.

However, the residents of Canada will have to wait for a while before joining the maskless world following the status quo remarks by the Canadian Minister of Health, Hon. Patty Hajdu on Friday, May 14, 2021.  

According to Hon. Hajdu’s remarks, Canadian residents will continue to obey the local and national regulations put in place by the ministry of health, including social distancing, wearing masks in all indoor gatherings, whether fully vaccinated or not. 

The Minister’s stand was supported by Dr Theresa Tam, the chief public health officer of Canada, who urged the residents to continue wearing masks until further guidance despite what’s happening south of the border. 

Even though Canada seems no to follow the US in the new masking regulations, the country remains under the stay-at-home order until June 2, 2021, to ensure a safe and normal summer.

In the UK, many restrictions have been eased while face masks and social distancing remain compulsory on many occasions as the country works towards a full reopening of the economy. 

According to updated information on the government’s website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance ), residents must wear face coverings in many indoor settings, such as shops and places of worship, and on public transport unless they are exempt or have a reasonable excuse. And that’s the law.