Phone, wallet, keys, mask… or no mask? Wait, what? 

The CDC sent waves throughout the country in recent weeks when it made the decision to lift the mask mandate for those who are vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. While responses are mixed, there is an overwhelming sense of confusion and uncertainty in the air for many cities and states. 

Here’s something that we can be 100% sure about: nurses and medical professionals alike do not agree with this decision. In fact, many nurses and unions have spoken out against the decision - citing concerns for themselves and the public they serve. As we know too well, our nursing community has been severely impacted by COVID-19. Frontline workers like nurses have answered the call for the past year plus, with no signs of slowing down. 

While the CDC’s decision does not apply to the majority of medical settings, it still carries risks for nurses who are trying to adapt while the pandemic is still ongoing. National Nurses United co-president Zenei Triunfo-Cortez recently spoke out in an interview where he said, in part: “We continue to have patients, perhaps not in numbers that has been the same from last year or a few months ago, but it’s still a very big number.”

In other words? We are not out of the woods just yet. National Nurses United also cited daily case counts throughout the nation which - while lower - are not at zero. In addition, there are growing concerns and watchful eyes on the COVID-19 variants that have been surfacing in various parts of the world. 

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the CDC, recently doubled down in defense of the new guidelines. Dr. Fauci, the White House’s Chief Medical Advisor, also spoke out in support of the CDC. Walensky stated:

“This was not permission to shed masks for everybody everywhere. This was really science driven, individual assessment of your risk”

In cities like Chicago, the worries surrounding the new guidelines come with an additional layer to consider: the racial and economic disparities that have been amplified by COVID-19. The Illinois Nurses Association cites vaccine availability for its majority Black and brown working class population is top of mind for them. Additionally, they expressed support for National Nurses United’s view, believing that the CDC gave into public pressure at a time when most are growing increasingly frustrated and eager to get “back to normal.”

In California nurses remain fearful, frustrated and disrespected. Jewell Harris Jordan, one of the nurses who provided commentary in this LA Times article, is distraught. Jordan believes the general public's concerns over mask wearing as a violation of rights undermines healthcare workers. Wearing a mask is a show of solidarity and support for nurses and medical professionals - or at least it should be. 

“If you come into the hospital and you’re sick, I’m going to take care of you ... you would think you would want to try to protect the people that are trying to keep you safe.”

As nurses continue to work and fight for their lives - and the lives of others - every new decision or update can have widespread effects. Effects on work life, effects on our stress levels and effects on mental health, to name a few. Remember to always advocate for yourself, your safety and the safety of your patients. 

Keep on fighting the good fight nurses! We may not be out of the woods but with your dedication and standing up for what’s right, we just might be one day.