Are Masks Still Needed After Vaccination?

Despite vaccine rates beginning to pick up again across the U.S., the dominance of the Delta variant has many vaccinated people asking: When and where do I need to wear a mask? 

While mask manufacturers have no influence on masking policies relating to the coronavirus pandemic, RZ Industries® believes in transparency, and sharing the most up-to-date information available. When you do need to mask up, RZ® provides top-tier protection, filtering up to 99.9% of particulates down to .1 micron – exceeding the N95 standard (95% filtration of particulates down to .3 micron). Combine our protective safety masks with our patent-pending Exhalation Valve Caps for top level protection for you and those around you.

The CDC considers full vaccination to be reached two weeks after the final dose is received by each individual. Once you are fully vaccinated, the CDC has updated recommendations on safe activities and how to stay safe once you're vaccinated.

• OUTDOORS: In general you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings. However, in areas with high transmission levels (track your area here), consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
• PROTECTION FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED: People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated. They should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask, until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
• INDOORS: If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
• TRAVEL: Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of a conveyance (like on open deck areas of a ferry or the uncovered top deck of a bus).

Note that some states have additional regulations that include mask usage in other situations and venues.

The CDC continues to report on the effectiveness of the vaccines against the Delta variant. While unvaccinated people are the greatest concern for transmission, fully vaccinated people with Delta variant breakthrough infections can spread the virus to others. Read more about what the Delta variant means for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people here. 

Given what we know about the Delta variant, vaccine effectiveness, and current vaccine coverage, the CDC recommends layered prevention strategies, such as wearing masks, are needed to reduce the transmission of this variant.

Protection from RZ®

At RZ Industries®, we’re passionate about providing you with best-in-class air filtration solutions and safety equipment. When your health is on the line, choose the 99.9% filtration of our industry-leading reusable face masks, F-series replacement filters, and other safety accessories.

Note About Masks and Valves

All reusable RZ Masks® come standard with exhalation valves, which help to reduce heat and moisture inside the mask, and further combat any fogging of your glasses. However, based on the CDC guidelines for mask wearing, to wear an RZ Mask for COVID-19 public health purposes, wearers should replace the standard Exhalation Valves with our patent-pending Exhalation Valve Caps to protect those around you from any unfiltered air exiting the mask. 

The RZ Exhalation Valve Caps block all unfiltered air from exiting the valves, so your exhaled breath must pass through the mask filter. You can get a pair of our teal Exhalation Valve Caps for FREE with any mask purchase using promo code CAPGWP.