News CDC chief wants to ‘give people a break’ from mask wearing once transmission rates improve: COVID-19 updates February 16, 2022February 16, 2022John Bacon and Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAYComments Off on CDC chief wants to ‘give people a break’ from mask wearing once transmission rates improve: COVID-19 updates COVID infections, hospitalizations and deaths are all declining. Federal health officials could ease the guidance on masks soon, the CDC chief says.