Mask requirements are going away, but people are still dying from Covid. MOST of us have pretty good immunity now, even people who refused vaccinations. But not all of us. In particular, the elderly have diminished immune systems. The immunosuppressed are at risk. Infants who have never been exposed are at risk. If you are in any of those categories, there are precations you can take.

The elderly or at risk patients can put together a plan to get Paxlovid or Remdesivir quickly if they develop any symptoms and test positive. If your doctor refuses to make such plans for you, get another doctor. Pregnant women should be vaccinated, and get a booster near the beginning of their third trimester. Then breast feed, if you can. Pump and bottle feed if you can't. That colostrum gives the baby some of your antibodies until they can be vaccinated. They also protect the baby if they get exposed, in which case they will make their own antibodies and memory T and B-cells. Get that baby vaccinated as soon as you can, because your antibodies don't last that long. A surprising number of babies are getting hospitalized (and even dying) from Covid.

A recent study claims masks don't work, but their study had major flaws. Dr. Griffin on TWIV (an infectious disease doc) said their study was like lumping oranges, apples, and cow pies together, and then recommending people not eat apples because they contain partially digested alfalfa. Masks DO work, but they should be N-95 and you need to wear them right. Not say you wear them usually, but go indoors where there are crowds with the mask only covering your mouth.

They certainly work for me: I am extremely good about wearing my mask anytime I am indoors around other people. And I have not had a cold or flu ever since the pandemic started! This was certainly not the case before masks.