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USF virologist responds to CDC's mask guideline changes

“The science supports it, but I think the fact of the matter really is that we don't even have 50 percent of our population vaccinated."

TAMPA, Fla. — On 10 Tampa Bay, we’re committed to keeping you up to date with all the latest COVID-19 news.

That’s why every week we are taking your questions to a local medical expert to talk about what’s going on. From the latest on where the Tampa Bay area stands with vaccines, to monitoring the COVID-19 variants, we’ll continue tracking information.

Dr. Michael Teng, Ph.D., is a virologist at USF Health.

Here are some of the questions we asked this week:

Q: What was your reaction to the CDC’s announcement that fully vaccinated people don’t need masks in most places?

A: “The science supports it, but I think the fact of the matter really is that we don't even have 50 percent of our population vaccinated. It's not evenly distributed among everybody either, so we have certain populations that are vaccinated and certain populations that are not. This is what I really wish the CDC would have done, is to put some benchmarks down, right? To clearly state, when we reach these particular benchmarks in your particular area that this is a great time to take off your mask and be safe indoors."

RELATED: Local doctors, county leaders weigh in on how CDC mask guidelines will impact you

 

Q: In your expert opinion, if you’re fully vaccinated, where should you be wearing a mask right now? 

A: “I'm actually getting on an airplane Thursday. That's somewhere CDC says you should wear a mask, I'm definitely wearing a mask in the airplane and definitely wearing a mask in the terminal. I'm fully vaccinated but I'm still leery of places like bars, for example, where you have a lot of people who are talking a lot, and they're making a lot of respiratory droplets, drinking."

Q: How do you think vaccines will play into back-to-school for middle schoolers, specifically?

A: "I'm really excited for middle schoolers and high schoolers because these are the kids who are really social and they're mixing a lot because they go from class to class. We'll see how available it is for kids. It seems like there's not a lot of lines for the vaccine right now."

RELATED: CDC recommends schools maintain mask requirements

You can send your questions to 727-577-8522 and we might answer them on 10 Tampa Bay Brightside.

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