| Design: theSkimm | Photo: Getty, iStock So…what’s going on with masks? That’s the question of the week. Here’s what you need to know — so you can decide what to do. The Story Two years into the pandemic, we’re still as confused as ever. Since the start, states and the federal gov have given different guidance about what to do. Now, it’s mask talk that’s on everybody’s lips. Go on.This week, a federal judge threw out Biden's mask mandate for planes and transit systems. Some people celebrated. Others expressed concern. And the DOJ appealed. Now as the courts battle it out, it's a free-for-all. Many major airlines, Amtrak, and ride-hailing apps lifted their mask requirements. Other transit systems (think: in Los Angeles County and New York City) made the opposite call and kept them. Businesses can still make their own rules. Meaning, don’t throw out your masks just yet. So, what should I do?With a few exceptions, a lot is being left up to you. And while the science on masks is clear, many Americans want the pandemic to be over. Just look at this week’s reactions on airplanes. But it isn't. In fact, there's been a nearly 50% increase in cases over the last 14 days. Thanks to the continued spread of Omicron BA.2 and two new subvariants. Plus, experts say cases are being undercounted. Dramatically. Where’s the gov in all this?The CDC’s trying to provide better and faster info to help you make your own choices. The White House now appears more focused on living with variants rather than defeating them. Plus, the market’s caught up to demand: at-home tests, antiviral pills, and vaccines are now widely in stock. But questions remain about second boosters — mainly, when people under 50 will be able to access them. And TBD if (or when) kids under 5 will ever get their shot. theSkimm ‘You do you’ seems to be 2022’s go-to response to COVID-19. But remember, the reasoning behind whether people mask up is often invisible to strangers. So don't be a maskhole. | 