On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a face mask or stay 6 feet away from others in most settings.
This includes both outdoor or indoor conditions, the press release added.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told reporters during a press briefing that unless a business requires masks or a person is in a healthcare setting, those who have received their second dose two or more weeks ago don’t need to wear one.
However, regardless of your vaccination status, everyone has to wear them while riding public transportation, CNBC News reported.
“Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing,” Walensky said. “If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. We have all longed for this moment when we can get back to some sense of normalcy.”
The CDC urges those not vaccinated to practice COVID-19 safety guidelines still since they remain at risk of mild or severe illness, death, and risk of spreading the disease to others. Those that have health conditions should seek their doctors’ advice before deciding not to wear a mask.
“This is an exciting and powerful moment; it could only happen because of the work of so many who made sure we have the rapid administration of three safe and effective vaccines,” she said, adding there is a chance the center’s guidance can change if the pandemic worsens.
