CDC director says the agency continues to recommend universal masking in schools

While many Americans want to throw off the yoke of mask mandates, and some states are moving toward lifting requirements, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky told Reuters that the government agency has not changed its mask guidance.

"I know people are interested in taking masks off. I too am interested. That would be one marker that we have much of the pandemic behind us," Walenksy said during an interview, according to the outlet.

Walensky noted that the CDC still recommends wearing a mask indoors in places with substantial or high transmission.

She also said that the agency still suggests universal masking for schools.

Walensky said that she is "pleased to say that about 96% of our children are in schools and that the masking has allowed them to be in school safely — that, and getting our children vaccinated."

Many Americans have opposed mask mandates, particularly those requiring children to endure having a mask strapped on their face during school.

Reuters reported that Walensky said an indicator that the illness has become endemic will be at the point that "anybody walking in the door who'd come in for a heart attack or a stroke or a motor vehicle accident could quickly get care because hospitals weren't overburdened or overwhelmed."