Story by Victoria Hernandez, Photo by Natalie Demaree, April 8,2021

With the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines and several states loosening their restrictions, it’s easy to think it’s time to take the mask off and put it away for good. 

However, the disease has not disappeared. Now, more than ever, it is important to continue wearing masks.

As of Phase 1-C, the state of Arkansas allowed for “people residing in student housing such as dorms and Greek housing” to begin receiving the coronavirus vaccine, according to the Vaccination Information provided by the University.

Although a majority of students and faculty are eligible to receive the vaccine, it does not mean that all of those who have access are willing to get vaccinated. 

Vaccines only help fight off COVID-19, not totally omit it immediately. 

The vaccine will take a few weeks to build immunity for your body and it is still possible to become infected with COVID-19 just before or after the vaccine, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is a start to a very long battle.

So where does that leave us for mask wearing?

With several states, such as Texas and Alabama, revoking the state mandate of face coverings and raising capacities in public spaces, people are wondering whether or not they should continue to wear masks.

“I have a lot of mixed feelings on it,” said UA student Marie Brown. “Texas lifted the mandate and has had record low cases for the past three weeks, but I’m not a professional, so maybe it would be better to be safe rather than sorry and keep the masks a bit longer until more people are able to get the vaccine and avoid mutation.” 

March 30, 2021 it was announced that Gov. Asa Hutchinson will end the statewide mandate. However, the city of Fayetteville has issued a reminder that Ordinance 6323 still requires face coverings in public settings to remain in effect despite the statewide mask mandate being lifted.

By lifting this statewide mandate it’s only increasing the chance of the coronavirus spreading in these states.

While COVID-19 still has no cure and continues to create new variants, I think that it is still important to continue wearing masks. 

Even if it seems that you currently don’t have COVID-19, you could still be asymptomatic and continue to spread it. It is especially important to continue social distancing and wearing face coverings while being in public spaces. 

Some people you come in contact with could be taking the pandemic far less seriously and could easily spread the disease to you.

As of Feb. 18, 2021, the CDC continues to suggest wearing masks “even if you do not feel sick” in addition to social distancing.

Even though the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the University of Arkansas community has continued to decrease,  there is always the possibility that the numbers could rise again if we relax restrictions too early.

“I think mask-wearing is necessary in protecting others and protecting myself,” said UA student JD Clements. “Even though the vaccine is out and being distributed to many people, we should still wear them.”

When in doubt, whether it’s a month from now or a year from now, it is always better to be on the side of caution. Continue to stay vigilant and mask up, Arkansas.