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Even with multiple COVID-19 vaccines, debates about the virus remain ongoing. Some people are ready to get back to the hustle and bustle of regular life; others are concerned about doing too much too soon. The face mask has engendered massive controversy over the past year. Physical altercations and even deaths have occurred between individuals on different sides of the mask debate. However, with the arrival of vaccines against coronavirus, the question arises: can Americans finally take off their masks? Different people have very different answers to this question. Some folks were never supportive of mask-wearing, while some fully vaccinated people are still wearing their face coverings. According to a new poll, just 26% of the nation reports being comfortable with ditching the face mask.

Where do Americans stand on masking?

A new poll conducted by Economist/YouGov shows that just a little over one-fourth of Americans are comfortable being maskless in public. The survey then asked participants when they believe is the right time for going out without a face covering; the responses to this question turned out to be fascinating. 6% cited this spring as the safest time to go in public without a mask on. Then, another 13% cited this summer as the ideal timeframe, while 16% opined that going in public maskless will be safe by the end of this year. A collective 38% declared that being maskless in public will be harmless either in 2022 or beyond or categorized themselves as unsure. The split breaks down evenly, with 19% saying the former and another 19% answering with the latter stance.

Masking in different parts of the country

It goes without saying that approaches to masking certainly vary in different parts of the nation. Lockdown states --- such as Oregon, Michigan, etc. --- have mask mandates in effect. Oregon has even moved to make masking requirements indefinite in places of business. Meanwhile, states like Texas, Wyoming, Florida, etc., are free of mask mandates. Many Americans in these states maintain a less strict adherence to masks; furthermore, since the presence of a vaccine, questions have come up about whether or not wearing a mask post-vaccination is merely a show of theater.