When will we stop wearing masks?
This is what we were told after receiving our Moderna shots this last week (Feb 25, 2020)
Do I need to wear a mask even after I get the vaccine?
In short, yes. While it's clear that both vaccination and antibodies after infection cause some degree of immunity, experts aren't sure about some details, like how long a person is immune after being sick with COVID-19 and whether or not asymptomatic spread can occur after vaccination or infection. That's why people who receive the vaccine, as well as those who have recently recovered from COVID-19, should continue wearing PPE and other usual hygienic precautions to prevent spreading the disease. Masks are needed even if you have antibodies from infection or vaccination to ensure you don’t keep transmitting it.
What can we do to be able to stop wearing masks sooner?
If the mutations beat out the current vaccines, we’d have to deal with masks and physical distancing precautions for a lot longer. We all could be stuck with masks for another year or more if mutant strains escape the immune response someone had from infection with COVID-19 or a vaccination.
Even after herd immunity, will we ever stop wearing masks entirely?
Herd immunity is the first step in returning to pre-pandemic life. But even when the majority of Americans have antibodies to COVID-19, masks probably won't disappear altogether. As life begins to look normal again, we’ll probably still wear masks as a courtesy from time to time. It will be part of our culture now to wear a mask if you aren't feeling well so you prevent transmitting illnesses to other people. But we hope the general population doesn't have to continue wearing a mask in public.
If things go as planned, COVID-19 cases might decrease by late spring or summer. Vaccinations will be continuing to roll out, and hopefully, we'll be working slowly but surely toward herd immunity.
But even at that point, you may still need to wear a mask in public. Since not everyone in the population will be immune, it’s important to continue protecting them.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Tommie Cooper is probably benefiting!!
When we can start administering quick and easy Covid tests at home, it's going to change a lot of behaviors. As for the anti-maskers, I don't believe they will suddenly become maskers EVER! Unless we convince them it affects their virility or something. 
But for the rest of us, we'll be able to have family gatherings, friends over for a visit, backyard parties, almost like we used to. We'll be able to test ourselves and loved ones, and continue to wear masks when we're around people who refuse to be tested.
