CDC Issues New Face Mask Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated People
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new face mask guidelines intended for fully vaccinated people. The agency made the announcement on Thursday while pointing out some reservations fully vaccinated people should abide.
The agency's new guidelines followed President Joe Biden's announcement of a partnership between ride-sharing companies and the White House that will aim to reach 70 percent of adult Americans having one vaccine dose by Independence day.
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What Are the New CDC Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated Americans?
Under the new CDC Guidelines, fully vaccinated Americans can attend indoor and outdoor activities without wearing a face mask and maintaining at least six feet of physical distancing. The agency noted that the decision was made because the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is "minimal" for fully vaccinated people, as well as the transmission from fully vaccinated people to unvaccinated people.
"We have all longed for this when we can get back to some sense of normalcy," said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky in CNBC, emphasizing that fully vaccinated people can attend indoor or outdoor activities no matter the size. Walensky also acknowledged the efforts of those behind the "rapid administration of three safe and effective vaccines."
However, there are still instances fully vaccinated people will have to wear their face masks. CDC pointed out that face masks should be worn if required by the state, local, territorial laws, rules and regulations, and workplace and local businesses guidance. The agency also underscored that fully vaccinated people should wear their face masks on airplanes, trains, busses, and other public transportation.
Will Travel Restrictions Also Ease for Fully Vaccinated People?
There were also some changes in the travel restrictions for fully vaccinated Americans. For domestic travel, CDC noted that fully vaccinated travelers do not need to get a viral test before and after the destination unless the testing is required by the state or territorial health authorities.
For international travel, fully vaccinated individuals coming from the U.S. do not need to get viral testing before leaving the country unless it is required by the country they are headed to. Meanwhile, all travelers coming from abroad should have a negative SARS-CoV-2 viral test result or documentation of recovery and take the viral test once again three to five days after the travel.
How About the Unvaccinated Individuals?
Walensky emphasized that unvaccinated people should continue to wear their masks because they remain at risk for mild and severe illness, death, and risk of spreading the notorious disease to others. Walensky also added that the agency can change the guidance again once the pandemic worsens or additional variants emerged.
President Joe Biden Celebrates Over New CDC Guidelines
ABC News reported that on Thursday, President Joe Biden celebrated the new guidance issued by the CDC, dubbing it as a great milestone.
"If you're fully vaccinated and can take your mask off, you have earned the right to do something that Americans are known for all around the world: greeting others with a smile," said Biden. The president gave his remarks without wearing his masks.
ABC News shared that the new facemasks guideline from the CDC comes while President Joe Biden was meeting with Republican senators. The attendees removed their face covering midway through the meeting.
READ MORE: California Mask Mandate to Ease by June 15 - Gov. Gavin Newsom
WATCH: CDC: Fully-vaccinated people don't need to mask, physically distance in most cases - from CNBC Television