March 14, 2022

While mask guidelines are being eased across the United States, the OI Foundation recommends, with guidance from our medical experts, that families and individuals with OI consider maintaining COVID-19 preventative measures like public mask wearing and social distancing beyond the lifting of mandates. Individuals with OI are still more likely to experience more severe symptoms from COVID-19. For more information on your community’s current COVID-19 level, please check the CDC’s county map for updates.

Additionally, mask wearing in public settings has proven benefits beyond COVID-19 prevention. Rates of influenza (flu) and all other lung infections have dramatically declined with the implementation of public mask mandates. Pulmonary complications are a leading cause of death for people with OI, so respiratory health preventative measures may be beneficial for many, even if COVID-19 is no longer a concern for the OI community.