The CDC Says Fully Vaccinated People Can Gather Without Masks

The CDC had just issued new advice for fully vaccinated people, so they know what activities are safe now that they have a degree of protection. According to the new guidelines, those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can now gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people, without masks. They can also gather indoors, unmasked, with unvaccinated low-risk individuals from one other household. Also, if you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, you no longer need to get tested or isolate yourself unless you exhibit symptoms.

People are considered “fully vaccinated” when they have been administered both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and waited for two weeks to pass. The two-week wait period is necessary to allow your body to build the necessary protective antibodies.

Rochelle Walensky, Director of the CDC, said in a statement, “We know that people want to get vaccinated so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love.”

Despite the relaxing of some rules, the CDC still advises fully vaccinated people to wear masks in public, avoid large gatherings, and socially distance when possible.

Dr. Richard Besser, the former acting director of the CDC, told NBC News, “This is very welcome guidance. This opens the door for grandparents to meet with their children and grandchildren without masks, indoors, for a nice group hug.”