Now few years into the pandemic, new variants, shifting CDC guidelines, and a shortage of healthcare providers have made at-home COVID-19 rapid tests the new hot-ticket item, since they allow you to test yourself in the comfort and safety of your own space, and in doing so, can help minimize the spread of COVID-19—not to mention help cut down on wait times at testing centers. These at-home tests are helpful whether or not you’ve received both your vaccinations (and even a booster), since breakthrough cases are a possibility. That said, at-home COVID-19  tests are not created equal. Here’s what you need to know before you start swabbing.

What are the different at-home COVID-19 tests?

The first kind of diagnostic at-home COVID-19 test is a molecular test, a.k.a. a PCR test—these are the kind usually required for international travel. “The second test is known as an antigen test, a rapid antigen test, or a rapid test,” says Rachael Piltch-Loeb, PhD, associate research scientist at NYU School of Global Public Health and a preparedness fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “The rapid test detects specific proteins on the surface of the virus,” Dr. Piltch-Loeb says. Both work the same way: You stick the nasal swab in your nose to collect a sample, stick the swab into the test tube or strip, and then wait for your test result.

How accurate are they?

The most common at-home COVID-19 test kits are the antigen tests. “These are pretty accurate at detecting an infectious case of COVID-19,” says Dr. Piltch-Loeb. “With the Omicron variant, there have been some reports that rapid tests are missing cases of the virus in the early stages of disease. However, the tests remain a great indicator of when you are infected and able to spread the virus.” 

All to say: While false negatives might potentially happen in the first few days of a COVID-19 infection, rapid tests are still worth having and using. Since the Omicron variant in particular replicates so quickly, you could have a negative result in the morning and a positive result by the afternoon, according to Dr. Piltch-Loeb. If you’re not sure, consider taking two tests. “If you test positive on a rapid antigen test—especially two in a row—you are infectious and should begin your isolation,” she says. “It is not necessary to follow up a rapid result with a PCR result to confirm your positivity unless you are required by an employer or other entity.”

Where can you get an at-home COVID-19 test?

While you can get over-the-counter tests at pharmacies, they’re also available online; you might also be able to get free tests through your local health department. To make sure you’re getting one that’s legit, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorization (EUA) to a number of manufacturers to create and sell these rapid test kits to detect SARS-CoV-2, so check their list. Some will also share their EUA documents on retail sites, too, to do the legwork for you.

At-home COVID-19 tests are selling out quickly, which is why we rounded up available options to make it easier for you to find what’s in stock. Shop them below—along with some of the best N95 face masks and the best disposable face masks.

Between coronavirus, brand-new variants, and now sci-fi-worthy hybrids—what’s good, flurona?—the best N95 face masks on Amazon are back to being best-sellers. They offer the most protection out there (no shade to your cute, printed cloth mask) which is even more important seeing as the Omicron variant appears to be the most contagious one yet. (Apparently, the Delta variant was only the beginning…)

However, not all N95 masks are created equal. With protective masks in increasingly high demand, counterfeit versions have flooded the virtual shelves, and some so-called N95 protective face masks aren’t actually the real thing—and therefore don’t offer the same defense. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends doing a little homework when it comes to choosing the best personal protective equipment for you (and your fam). With that in mind, here’s what you should know.

What are N95 masks?

N95 face masks are generally considered to offer better protection than other masks you might’ve collected over the past few years, with a high filtration rate that far outperforms cloth masks or DIY face coverings. One-time surgical masks now used for traveling, commuting, or hitting up the grocery story, they feature several layers of a synthetic material called polypropylene, which filters out 95% of particles as small as 0.3 microns—95% being where the “95” in N95 comes from.

Beyond that, these disposable face masks feature subtle differences that can impact comfort and safety, such as adjustable ear loops (for a more secure fit to your face) or nose wires that make it easier to wear with glasses. They can be more breathable than you think, and offer foldable options so you can stash a couple in your bag.

What’s the difference between N95 and KN95 face masks?

We’re glad you asked: KN95s are just another kind of particulate respirator mask—like N95—and they function the same way (again, with that 95% filtration). The primary difference is that N95 is a standard for the USA, whereas KN95 is China’s version—meaning the certification process is a bit different. While N95s have to be certified by the NIOSH, a.k.a. the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, KN95s need approval from the FDA. 

How to shop for the right N95 mask

To make sure you’re getting the peak performance from an N95 mask—and not falling for a counterfeit—it’s essential to wear those that have been NIOSH-certified. To make it easy to find them, the CDC has put together a handy list of NIOSH-approved N95 respirators, which include mainstays like M3 and Makrite. To ensure you’re getting the best N95 face masks on Amazon, head on over to double-check that yours is on the list before you add to cart. (If you’re in the market for KN95s for whatever reason, the FDA has a separate database for that, too.

Since we’re clocking year three of the pandemic and dealing with new variants, it might be a good time to restock on new PPE to either wear on its own or layer with reusable cloth masks. Whether you’re looking for an adjustable nose bridge, a breathable face mask with max protection, or a version with customizable elastic ear loops, these NIOSH-approved N95 masks will keep you covered—and as safe as possible when you’re out and about.

The weddings are coming. Signature cocktails are being tested, name puns drafted, cardstock carted to the printers. Couples, making up for lost time, are planning the biggest wedding year since the 1980s, with marriages in the U.S. up a whopping 50% from 2020, according to reporting from Bloomberg. Happiest days will happen, again and again, all year long.

But for many, budgets are tighter than ever. The pandemic persists. And with an increased sense that life should be lived loudly and with much alcohol, couples are reconsidering one of the greatest polarizing controversies: Is it okay to ban kids from a wedding?

“You wouldn’t believe the amount of people who are acting like I requested they throw their kids off a bridge or put them up for adoption,” says Samantha, a 28-year-old bride who threw a child-free wedding in October in South Carolina. Samantha and her wife do not have children, and they wanted their wedding to feel more like a raucous party than a toddler’s birthday. Some guests were thrilled at the prospect of a night off from parenting, says Samantha. Others resisted. “I can’t find child care, I will be bringing my child,” a guest informed Samantha. And some people, citing the no-kid policy, refused the invitation entirely.

There are three types of weddings: the all-ages, the child-free bash, and the age-exclusive wedding, in which the only invited kids are VIPs, like family, or members of the wedding party. The child-free wedding controversy falls along these lines: From one vantage point, a wedding is a celebration of family, community, and continuity. From another, a wedding is a one-night-only rave that costs tens of thousands of dollars. Younger people, says Wisconsin-based wedding planner Meredith Bartel, increasingly take the second view.

“We’re not relying on our parents to pay for weddings the way we were a couple decades ago,” she says. “People are making their own choices instead of having their parents plan their weddings.” That means different values and different budgets—and each child on the guest list impacts that budget. “It’s a chair at a table,” says Bartel. “Now an adult guest can’t be invited because of that kid.” In many cultures, children traditionally play an important role in weddings—often in the wedding party, to symbolize the future generations the couple will produce. But when those customs originated, a couple was not at risk of, say paying $75 for their cousin’s kid to eat one bite of risotto and then spit it into their own hair.

“Because we’re paying a hefty price per person, I just prefer no children,” says Kynedra Ogunnaike, a 46-year-old bride planning a February wedding in St. Louis. It was an easy decision for her and her fiancé, she says, because they also decided to make the wedding vaccine-mandatory, with no exception for negative tests (“We toyed with it, but I don’t think I want to be responsible for trying to coordinate that 24 hours before my wedding,” she says.) As Ogunnaike’s date approaches, she’s found herself unable to sleep, terrorized by the thought of someone getting sick after attending her wedding. “I’m not saying you have to get the vaccine. I’m saying if you’re not vaccinated you can’t come,” she explains. That means no children under five since they aren’t yet eligible for any vaccine. And that’s fine with her. “Financially, the ambience, and the mood—this is not a child event,” Ogunnaike says.

While Hollywood A-Listers have been some of the first to speak in favor of receiving the Covid-19 vaccine—Dolly Parton even had a hand in funding the production of the Moderna vaccine—there are a growing number of anti-vaxx celebrities making themselves known. 

Despite having access to the top doctors and experts in the medical field, it seems some celebs just can’t help but turn to Joe Rogan, Facebook, and conspiracy theorists for the latest information on Covid-19. Despite the fact that the most respected scientists in the country agree that the Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines are safe and effective for preventing hospitalizations and death, these individuals are insistent on “doing their own research” and relying on disproven remedies. Despite the fact that the United States is nearing 50 million coronavirus cases, anti-vaxx celebrities can’t stop telling on themselves. 

Back in September, nine months after the vaccine roll-out began, Nicki Minaj admitted she was skeptical of receiving the vaccine in order to attend the Met Gala. Since then, more and more celebrities like Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and model Doutzen Kroes have revealed their own reasons for opting out of the life-saving vaccine.

George Clooney, for one, would be so disappointed. The actor recently told The Hollywood Reporter that he finds it “crazy” that some of his colleagues have chosen to forgo the COVID-19 vaccine. “It’s stupid. And it’s stupid because every generation in our country for more than a lifetime has been asked to sacrifice something for the safety of their fellow man — get shot, fight Nazis,” he said. “All that anyone’s being asked here is to get a shot in the arm and put on a mask. Grow up. Get something done.”

Below, the anti-vaxx celebrities you might want to stay six feet away from.  

Nicki Minaj

The rapper’s tweets about skipping the 2021 Met Gala due to their vaccination policy may not have been vehemently anti-vaxx, but they were full of anti-vaccine talking points and misinformation. Ultimately, Nicki Minaj did say she will likely get vaccinated in order to go on tour again.

Aaron Rodgers

Despite previously claiming he was “immunized” in a press conference, the football player engaged to actor Shailene Woodley went on the Pat McAfee Show on November 5 to “set the record straight.” Not only did he not receive the coronavirus vaccine, but he also consulted Joe Rogan personally as part of his attempt to, you guessed it, do his own research. 

If you’re asking, “Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving this year?” then we have your answer: Better order that 65-inch television now just in case, because Walmart stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Last Thanksgiving the retail giant closed for the first time in more than 30 years, ending the tradition of Americans scarfing turkey, then getting a jump on Black Friday in-store doorbuster deals. 

In a statement on its website, the retailer announced that it made the decision to close all U.S. Walmart stores on November 25, 2021, as a thank-you to its employees for all their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Throughout the pandemic, our associates have been nothing short of heroic in how they have stepped up to serve our customers and their communities,” said Dacona Smith, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Walmart U.S., in the statement. “Sam Walton said, ‘Our people make the difference,’ and that’s never been more true than it is right now. Closing our stores on Thanksgiving Day is one way we’re saying ‘thank you’ to our teams for their dedication and hard work this year. We hope everyone will take the opportunity to be with their loved ones during what’s always a special time.”

For Walmart, Turkey Day marked the official start of the holiday shopping crush: In 2019 the chain kicked off its 2019 Black Friday sale in stores at 6 p.m. local time on Thanksgiving Day but offered lots of online deals days earlier.

While Walmart has made the decision to close on a key day, dozens of other retailers find themselves in more challenging positions: Between COVID-19’s catastrophic impact on retail coupled with the continued rise of online shopping, the past few years have brought a store closing list that’s predictably vast. According to a January report from retail data firm Coresight Research, 10,000 stores in the U.S. could permanently shutter this year. Another issue this holiday shopping season: The worldwide shipping delays are creating inventory issues for many retailers. 

Don’t worry, though: Walmart and Sam’s Club will be open and operating within normal hours the day before Thanksgiving (November 25). As for the day after—a.k.a. Black Friday—the retail giant will have its usual deals. Walmart is also bringing back its Black Friday Deals for Days event, with Walmart+ members getting even earlier access to discounts. Starting November 3 online and in stores on November 5, customers can find deals on toys and electronics; savings in apparel, home goods, and more begin on November 10 (online) and November 12 (in stores). 

When the pandemic first hit, I was surprised to notice an immediate silver lining: I was having a lot more contact with my inner circle. As an American expat then living in Paris, I’d gotten used to conducting many of my friendships long-distance, but suddenly everyone’s friendships had become LDRs, and my calendar filled with rambling catch-up calls and newly-invigorated text threads with close friends who had more time to talk. With the few people I saw in person, conversations deepened and connections strengthened, bringing a sense of safety and comfort. A year and a half later, the trend has continued. I talk more frequently with fewer people, and have let the weaker relationships fall away rather than working overtime to sustain them. It’s always bittersweet when friendships fade, but in this case, it’s been more sweet than bitter.

There’s no doubt that the pandemic has altered our social lives, changing the ways and frequency with which we connect. For many, that’s manifested as loneliness, isolation and anxiety; but for some, it’s also offered a rare opportunity to review and reset our existing friendships. Much like COVID has accelerated changes to our work culture, it may have illuminated relationships we’ve outgrown, expediting natural shifts in our social circles.

“While we used to maintain friendships by running into friends at school, work, or around town, we now have to be more intentional about connecting,” says Angela Bahns, associate professor of psychology at Wellesley College. “This means it takes a more deliberate effort—we have to schedule a Zoom meeting, or carefully plan a socially distanced coffee date or cocktail hour—and with all the added stress, worry and family obligations the pandemic has brought, many of us just don’t have the time or energy to maintain all of the friendships we had pre-pandemic.”

For Joyce, 32, of the Bay Area, weekends before COVID used to be filled with social events, gatherings and travel, but she still felt something was missing. “I felt a pervasive sense of emptiness and a lack of true belonging to a community,” she says. “When the pandemic hit, San Francisco became a ghost town, and I experienced a falling-out with ancillary friends, who I realized were more superficial connections and activity partners than friends. At the same time, through the power of technology, I’ve since fostered new friends who share similar journeys in life. Over the last year and a half, I’ve built richer friendships than I have in the three years prior, with new people with whom I can share my deepest truths about burnout, trauma, fears and challenges.”

During stressful times when we have less emotional bandwidth, experts say we’re more inclined to put friendship quality over quantity, focusing on the most rewarding bonds, whether it’s because they’re more organic, authentic or supportive. “People prioritize friendships that meet their needs,” says Bahns. “People are brought closer together by the shared experience of COVID-related worries—we want to be able to find comfort in knowing we’re not alone in our loneliness, grief, anxiety and exhaustion.”

On the flip side, we’re also likelier to be OK with letting certain other friendships fizzle, whereas in normal times, we might have gone the extra mile to stay in touch. “People may be more selective about which friendships they maintain, because they recognize that there are fewer opportunities to meet new friends,” says Bahns. In other words, we’d rather invest in existing strong connections than new or weaker ones. That’s not to say we should close ourselves off to new people, but rather a reminder to periodically take stock of which relationships are most fulfilling and proceed accordingly. “In a pandemic, friends become less exchangeable, and some research in psychology suggests that this makes people more selective,” she adds.

That was the case for Colleen Gwen, 44, of Brooklyn, New York. “Before 2020, I was that friend you could call any time of day or night,” she says. “Once I had time to sit and think about everyone in my life during the pandemic, I realized I needed friends that were more uplifting. I decided to cut down on interactions with people who only call me to vent about their own problems.”

When I got my second Moderna shot in July, at 18 weeks pregnant, I felt a rush of gratitude tinged with a side of anxiety. In spite of all my research, plus conversations with medical experts and trusted loved ones assuring me it was safer to get the COVID vaccine than COVID itself, the vaccine was still not yet officially recommended for pregnant people. That milestone finally took place in August, when the CDC released data confirming the vaccine’s safety for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding—cue my sigh of relief.

Yet many in this demographic remain unconvinced and unvaccinated: As of August, data shows that only about one in every four pregnant people report vaccination, yet there’s been a surge in severe cases of pregnant people with the virus since July—as reported by doctors and evidenced by an uptick in ICU admissions and deaths—highlighting the devastating impact of COVID-19 among pregnant people, who have an increased risk of severe illness from the virus, along with higher chance of preterm birth and poor pregnancy outcomes.

While the percentage of pregnant people getting vaccinated is rising (albeit at a snail’s pace), it’s clear that dire headlines, doctor’s warnings, and official recommendations are not enough to combat many pregnant people’s concerns about the vaccine. The nine-month gap between its initial availability and formal safety sign-off exacerbated matters, creating a vacuum filled with confusion and misinformation.

“When the vaccine was first available last December, it was not surprising that pregnant people were more hesitant, particularly as pregnant people were left out of the clinical trials [for safety reasons],” says Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, M.D., chair of the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Health and a member of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s COVID-19 task force. “However, as we have accumulated more safety data, and with the particularly infectious delta strain, it does surprise me that more pregnant people are not choosing vaccination.”

Among the reasons commonly cited by pregnant people for their decision are the lack of data about the vaccine’s safety (we have more research now than before, but it’s still been studied for less than a year); a fundamental distrust of government and other institutions promoting the vaccine; and a bone-deep instinct that it’s not the best move for their bodies and babies.

“As a former immunologist and current pharmaceutical professional, I do not feel the approved vaccines are right for me based on the lack of available data to make an informed, risk-based decision,” says Monika, 32, of Chester, New Jersey, who is seven months pregnant with her second child. “Mathematically speaking, the risks of a known variable, such as the potential effects of COVID during pregnancy, cannot exceed those of an unknown variable, such as the potential vaccine-associated risks—that is yet to be determined as more substantial data is collected over time.”

Other people’s skepticism is rooted in a sense of general unease, fueled by distrust of the system endorsing the vaccine. 

“My decision has been driven primarily by my intuition and what is right for me and my family,” says Nicole, 32, an entrepreneur in Manahawkin, New Jersey, who is currently four months pregnant with her third child. “When the vaccine was released, the way it was presented and incentivized just did not seem right to me…. Pregnancy is not a time to experiment. In the face of persistent public doubt, the need for more data and education on the vaccine and its effects on various demographics is critical. While clinical trials of pregnant people are still underway, the body of evidence supporting the vaccine’s safety and efficacy is encouraging—and growing. 

“Getting vaccinated during pregnancy is the best way pregnant people can give protection to their newborn against COVID,” says Gyamfi-Bannerman. “Data shows there is no effect on fertility or miscarriage rates.” Beyond potentially keeping babies safe through protective antibodies, the vaccine provides crucial protective measures for vulnerable expecting parents: “Pregnant people with COVID do worse than their nonpregnant counterparts, including higher need for ventilator support and higher death rates,” she adds.

Still, this information may not be enough to convince the majority of pregnant people to get the shot—at least not yet. “Generally speaking, as long as my health is maintained through nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, I will continue to rely on that to keep me healthy,” says Monika. Similarly, Nicole is not open to getting the vaccine in the future, saying she “believes in our immune systems and our bodies’ ability to heal.”

When asked how to help more pregnant people feel comfortable getting the vaccine, Gyamfi-Bannerman pointed to the need to continue focusing on the proven benefits of vaccination. “There are plenty of pregnant people who have been vaccinated with great outcomes,” she says. “I hope that rates will continue to rise. We need more protection to mitigate the deaths we are seeing in pregnant unvaccinated people. It would be great to have long-term data, but we have evidence of safety for now.” 

“Presley Receives a City Polio Shot” read a New York Times headline on October 29, 1956. “Singer Sets an Example for Teen-Agers.” At the time, less than 1% of American teenagers were vaccinated against polio. Six months later, more than 80% of young Americans were vaccinated. Eventually, polio was eliminated. 

Celebrity endorsements won’t be the one big push that moves Americans to get vaccines, because everyone needs to work to spread accurate information. In the ’50s and ’60s, American teens created a mass, national grassroots movement to raise vaccine rates. A giant network of teen volunteers ran media campaigns, put on “Salk Hops,” and reached over color lines and financial divides. Regular people did the work. 

But they needed help from household names like Elvis and Debbie Reynolds. And getting vaccinated didn’t exactly snuff out Elvis’s career. The next year he released three number one hits, including “All Shook Up.” Perhaps it helped that he looked very hot while getting his vaccine. His skin looks like a baby that has been FaceTuned.  

Today celebrities should be working harder to promote the COVID-19 vaccine. Celebrities are not that busy. They can afford childcare. They do not have to clean their own homes, shop for their own clothing, or occasionally touch the mouse on their computers to keep their Slack icon active. 

This isn’t an attack on celebs—bless them! We love them for their shiny hair and expressive faces and commitment to showing us every possible outcome of getting back together with your ex. But the least they could do is set aside some time to promote the lifesaving, free vaccine that’s been made available to all Americans as the national death toll from COVID continues to rise past 600,000. Celebrities who got the vaccine have an obligation to talk about it to their giant fanbases. 

There is no doubt that vaccines are safe and save lives. According to the latest data, between 94% and 99.8% of people who have died from COVID were unvaccinated. More than 96% of doctors are vaccinated, as are 96% of U.S. senators (that includes Democrats and Republicans). But only about 50% of Americans are vaccinated. 

Every death from COVID is tragic. Everyone can help save lives by getting vaccinated and talking to their friends and family about why they chose to. Celebrities just have a slightly bigger circle of friends than most of us. And some of them are actually crushing this job—talking regularly and warmly about the importance of the vaccine, even though they’re bound to lose followers over it. Other celebrities are being very, very quiet. 

Let’s take a noncomprehensive look at who’s taking time to save lives.

Dolly Parton 

Has any celebrity done more than Dolly Parton to stop the tide of death from COVID-19?  This woman is the closest thing we have to an angel. Her $1 million donation to medical research at Vanderbilt University ended up funding multiple projects, including one that helped in the creation of the Moderna vaccine. (Moderna gang, hello, you all look incredible today.)

She has talked publicly about the vaccine and filmed her experience getting it. She sang “Jolene” but replaced the name with “vaccine.” Celebrities: This is the gold standard. Ask your publicist how to donate money to science research today. 

While adults have been lining up for their vaccinations, kids have yet to get their shots—meaning face masks for kids are still a good idea. While those as young as 12 are eligible to get the vaccine, thanks to emergency approval from the FDA to account for adolescents, clinical trials are still in the works for children from ages five to 11, as The New York Times reports. Some experts are even pushing the timeline for approval for that to mid-winter, a.k.a. halfway through the school year.

All to say: Children heading back to school this year still need to wear face masks to protect both themselves and those around them. After all, children can still catch and spread the coronavirus, which is why the CDC recommends that all children over the age of two “wear a cloth face covering their nose and mouth” in public settings to reduce the spread of the virus.

However, if you’re a parent, you’ll know it’s not exactly that simple. Getting your older kids to wear a face mask might be easy, but the real challenge is finding something for younger children: Not only do you have to get a mask that fits properly, but it also has to be something they’d like enough to wear without constantly trying to pry it off their face.

Curious about what to look for when shopping for a kids’ face mask? “The primary concern is that the face mask be well-fitting on your child,” says Kelly Fradin, M.D., a pediatrician, writer, and public health advocate working in the Bronx, New York. “If there are gaps around the mask, it defeats the purpose. Although elastic may be easier for kids to manage, it may not achieve the same seal as a mask that ties depending on the mask and the child’s face.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that a kid’s face mask should be put on the same way as an adult’s, in that it “should securely cover the nose and mouth and stretch from before the ear to the other side,” according to the organization’s website.

Besides fit, parents should also consider the mask’s material. Fradin recommends something soft and breathable, like cotton. “We know that less breathable materials like denim may be slightly better at blocking viruses from going through the mask, but these will almost certainly be intolerable for children,” says Fradin. “Children are more active than adults and breathe more per minute so we should allow them to wear a mask they can breathe through easily. This will also increase the likelihood they will wear the mask,” she says.

 Fradin says that most kids ages two to six will find it difficult to wear a mask without touching it often for long periods of time. “In truth, if your child is touching their face often while wearing it, it may do more harm than good,” she says. She recommends washing the mask after every use. And she has one more tip: To keep kids from tearing the thing right off their face, make a game out of it. “Putting a mask on a stuffed animal or drawing masks on pictures of people may help demystify masks,” suggests Fradin. “Also training children to tolerate wearing it for brief periods and building up to longer sessions might be effective too. There are even children’s books about masks.”

If you’re looking for where to buy face masks for kids online, you can start by shopping the brands below. While you wait for your order, you can try DIY-ing face coverings with bandanas or scarves, because even a homemade face mask can be a vital step to help protect your family and your community.

As news about the novel coronavirus pandemic rapidly evolves, Glamour is committed to bringing our readers the most accurate and up-to-date facts. As a result, information in this story and others like it may change, and we will update when necessary. For the most recent news about COVID-19, please visit the CDC, the WHO, and your state’s department of health.

Jennifer Aniston is standing by her decision to cut people who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19 out of her life. 

Aniston first opened up on the topic to InStyle in a September cover profile that was published on August 3. “There’s still a large group of people who are anti-vaxxers or just don’t listen to the facts,” Aniston said. “It’s a real shame. I’ve just lost a few people in my weekly routine who have refused or did not disclose [whether or not they had been vaccinated], and it was unfortunate. I feel it’s your moral and professional obligation to inform since we’re not all podded up and being tested every single day. It’s tricky because everyone is entitled to their own opinion—but a lot of opinions don’t feel based in anything except fear or propaganda.”

Despite the fact that coronavirus cases continue to surge across the country, Jennifer Aniston has faced some blowback from fans regarding the interview. On August 5, she took to Instagram to respond to one particular commenter who asked, “But if she’s vaccinated she’s protected correct? Why be worried about unvaxxed around her?”

The actor, who has been vocal about masking up throughout the pandemic, responded in her stories. “Because if you have the variant, you are still able to give it to me,” she wrote. “I may get slightly sick but I will not be admitted to a hospital and or die. BUT I CAN give it to someone who does not have the vaccine and whose health is compromised (or has a previous existing condition)—and therefore I would put their lives at risk. THAT is why I worry. We have to care about more than just ourselves here.” That part!

In her next IG story, Aniston re-’grammed an image from @badasscrosstitch, which read, “What doesn’t kill you mutates and tries again.”

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