After more than two years of Covid-19 restrictions, most parts of the country are dropping mask mandates per new CDC guidance. It seems government officials are more confident than ever that life is returning to normal.

“With 75% of adult Americans fully vaccinated and hospitalizations down by 77%, most Americans can remove their masks, return to work, stay in the classroom, and move forward safely,” said President Biden during his State of the Union address on March 1.

But are we really out of the woods? Cases of a highly transmissible omicron subvariant (the BA.2 or “stealth” variant) are doubling in the U.S. every week, now accounting for 8% of all new infections. Will removing our masks give way to yet another wave?

Jeremy Corr and Dr. Pearl examine the present and future of Covid-19 restrictions in this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth. You’ll find that discussion along with these [time stamped] questions:

[01:03] Each show begins with the most recent and relevant facts concerning the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on American life. What’s happening and what does it mean?

[05:35] Is a fourth vaccine shot on the way?

[06:54] How has the war in Ukraine affected Covid-19 coverage and concern in the U.S.?

[08:53] Masks: do we need them anymore?

[10:57] How did the Covid-19 pandemic begin, based on new findings?

[13:22] Any truth to the rumor that Covid-19 vaccine can lead to sudden hearing loss?

[16:56] Does the Pfizer vaccine work in kids under 5?

[20:51] What’s good this week?

[22:26] Beyond Covid-19: Do Americans get the healthcare they pay for?

[28:05] How are local communities handling vaccinate and mask mandates now?

This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

If you have coronavirus questions for the hosts, please visit the contact page or send us a message on Twitter or LinkedIn.

*To ensure the credibility of this program, Coronavirus: The Truth refuses to accept sponsorship, outside funding sources or guests with any financial or personal conflicts of interest.

The post CTT #58: Are Covid-19 restrictions gone for good? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.