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I previously had COVID-19. Do I still have to wear a mask?

GEHA | September 16, 2021

COVID-19 Health and wellness
Written by: Amy Priest, RN

Amy Priest is a Registered Nurse and Certified Case Manager with a combined 20 years’ experience of bedside nursing, home health nursing and case management. Amy has been with GEHA since 2010 and is currently a level III nurse consultant on the population health team supporting member outreach initiatives.

A) Yes, you should wear a mask and comply with recommended mask guidelines even if you previously had COVID-19. Wearing a mask helps to protect both yourself and those around you.

Researchers are still learning how immunity works for the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how long it lasts. Evidence has shown that even with antibodies from previously contracting COVID-19, you may still shed the virus if you have been exposed again.

In addition to wearing a mask, it is also important to continue other public health practices including washing hands regularly, using hand sanitizer and practicing safe social distancing in public.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html