Masks Might Be Coming Back

The latest Covid-19 surge has prompted Montgomery County officials to start thinking about reinforcing mask policies. 

County Executive Marc Elrich said, “Our current surge in cases is lasting longer than expected, which leaves more people at-risk of being exposed to COVID-19,” according to WTOP.  People in Montgomery County are encouraged to wear masks inside buildings, get tested before and after traveling or gathering, and to keep up with vaccinations. 

All DC schools are requiring students to be vaccinated as they head into the Fall for next school year.  As of now, MCPS requires all teachers to be vaccinated before the start of the school year and is considering requiring the same for students.

 Although cases are starting to go down, people are still advised to be cautious. The FDA’s recent approval of a fourth booster shot will ensure that people are still staying protected against the virus. “I know we are all tired of this virus,” Elrich stated, “but the virus is not tired of us,” (WTOP). 

Freshman Malik Jangha says, “The virus is still here, so why not stay protected against it.” He also thinks that another outbreak is possible next school year, especially if people start to be more relaxed with vaccines and wearing masks.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor of the White House, says that “people may need to get a booster shot every year or two,” according to CNBC News. This does not mean that we have to be overly serious about taking precautions, but being safe is still a good idea.