CDC lifts mask mandates for fully vaccinated people
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky provides an important update on public health guidelines.
Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing.
Who qualifies for the new mask mandate?
“Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Thursday, May 13th, during a White House briefing. “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.” But also stipulated, because of the unpredictableness of the virus, “if things get worse, there is always a chance we may need to make change to these recommendations.”
What factors contributed to the lifting of the mask mandate?
Dr. Walensky listed three factors for lifting the mask mandate for vaccinated people: 1) the data on vaccine effectiveness, 2) the science on the ability to protect against circulating variants, and 3) a growing understanding of the low risk of transmission to others, combined with universal access to vaccines for those 12 and older.
Who should take caution or follow specific infection control recommendations if vaccinated?
Those with compromised immune systems are encouraged to consult with their physician before giving up their mask. Additionally, locations such as healthcare facilities will continue to follow their specific infection control recommendations.
What are some examples of indoor and outdoor activities for fully vaccinated people recommended by the CDC?
For examples of recommended activities for fully vaccinated individuals like below, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations within its Choosing Safer Activities informational.
Examples of Indoor Activities
Examples of Outdoor Activities
