County Health Director Calls New Mask Guidance ‘Big Move’

The top public health official in Bucks County is pleased with the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to ease mask requirements.

Dr. David Damsker, the county health director, called the CDC’s announcement that fully-vaccinated Americans don’t have to wear masks or remain physically distant in most situations a “big move” that will help normalcy return more than a year after Bucks County’s first COVID-19 cases.

“This was the right move, but it was delayed. This could have happened earlier,” he said.

Damsker, who has urged Bucks Countians to get vaccinated as soon as they can, said it is important for people who are fully vaccinated to be able to have relaxed restrictions.

“This is going to be a normal summer,” he said.

“We’ve gone through a terrible time these past 15 months and there were days when we thought it would never end. It still isn’t over, but we are moving in the right direction. First with the vaccines and now with the ability to stop wearing masks once you’ve been vaccinated,” Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie said.

The county’s health director said he suspects the decision on Thursday by federal health authorities will actually encourage some people to who were on the fence to get vaccinated.

“There’s a segment of people who ask: ‘what’s the point of being vaccinated if I need to wear a mask?’” he said. “This ends that.”

While slightly more than 50 percent of Bucks County residents have received doses of vaccines as of earlier this week, vaccination rates are slowing in the county and state, according to Pennsylvania Department of Health data.

For more information on how to get vaccinated in Bucks County, visit the LevittownNow.com COVID-19 dashboard.

Health experts and data has shown the safety and effectiveness of the three vaccines currently authorized for use.

Damsker said the vaccines are safe and people should get one as soon as they can.

“All of the Bucks County clinics are open for business and accepting walk-ins. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, go get your shot,” Harvie said.

Damsker stressed people who get vaccinated require about two weeks from the final dose before they are considered fully vaccinated.

The vaccines will almost entirely eliminate risk of severe impacts from COVID-19, while dramatically decreasing the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19, health officials have said.

“I encourage everyone to get vaccinated,” Damsker said.

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