You could be seeing a lot more people leaving home without their masks.
The CDC released new mask guidelines that day anyone who is fully vaccinated is no longer required to wear a mask.
Business owners have big decision to make, require masks or don’t.
The Grand Traverse Distillery says this puts employees in a tough spot.
Owner, Kent Rabish, says, “Asking somebody for their medical information and show me your vaccination card- either way it’s going to be extreme awkward.”
At this point, the distillery says it will continue to require masks until the state says otherwise.
If and when that happens, some people aren’t sure if they’re to toss their face coverings.
Community member, Samantha Hipsher says, “Even though I am fully vaccinated, at least for the near future, I’m planning on still wearing a mask just to make other people feel safe as well.”
They are also hoping to avoid any confrontation and confusion.
Hipsher says, “It’s been a whole year of everyone wearing masks and for it to change to where some need to and some don’t-I think will cause an initial issue.”
Others say they did their part by getting vaccinated, so they deserve the freedom.
Alexandra Lazarow says, “If you have to take time to go get the vaccine there should be some reward and benefit. That, to me, is not wearing a mask.”
While some people even think this CDC recommendation will end up helping local businesses.
Larzarow says, “I think you’re going to get more foot traffic with businesses and it’s also just going to be less of a hassle.”
The Traverse City Chamber of Commerce says right now they are cross referencing the CDC recommendation with MIOSHA before making any definitive decisions.
