CDC and White House Begs States to Reconsider Lifting Mask Mandates | Eater

"Led by director Rochelle Walensky, the agency reported that the U.S. has surpassed 30 million COVID-19 cases and warned that 7‑day averages of new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are rising, raising concern about a potential fourth surge. Speaking candidly in a virtual briefing on March 29, Walensky appealed as both a public-health official and a family member for people to "hold on a little longer," get vaccinated when able, and support reinstating mask mandates until vaccination levels approach what’s needed for herd immunity. The agency also pointed to evidence that mask mandates reduce infections and deaths and emphasized continued vigilance as states reopen businesses and lift restrictions." - Jenny G. Zhang