Although many fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks indoors, some continue to do so for added protection. In several countries, mask mandates and social distancing rules have been lifted, signaling a shift toward normalcy. Yet public health experts caution that the pandemic’s impact is not entirely behind us. They emphasize that consistent mask use can still play a crucial role in reducing the spread of COVID-19, particularly in crowded areas, public facilities, or poorly ventilated spaces where transmission risks remain higher.