Lingering fears in removing mask ‘understandable,’ Fauci, Walensky say

As fully vaccinated populations navigate new federal guidance dropping mask use and physical distancing indoors and outdoors in most settings, top officials with the White House COVID-19 Response Team say some lingering fears are rational, and the recommendations will take some getting used to. A reporter questioned Drs. Anthony Fauci and Rochelle Walensky, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about their guidance for individuals who were following mask mandates and avoiding crowds for the last year and who now face some "lingering fears" in laxing these measures. CBS’ Steve Portnoy based his question on an event involving nearly 70 fully vaccinated people in the East Room in the White House on Thursday, adding, "some said on social media that the site made them nervous." He suggested some fully vaccinated individuals might not be "psychologically ready" to partake in activities now deemed safe by the health agency.-- More...