NATIONWIDE — On Thursday, May 15, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released a video regarding new guidance for wearing facemasks.
Dr. Walensky said that anyone who is considered fully vaccinated (two weeks after the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two weeks following the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine) can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, regardless of group size, without needing to wear a mask or practice physical distancing.
“For those who are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things you had stopped doing because of the pandemic,” said Dr. Walensky.
However, those with conditions or are taking medications that leave them immunocompromised or have a household member who may be more vulnerable to the virus are advised to speak to their physician prior to the discontinuation of mask wearing as well as other COVID-19 health precautions.
Additionally, various places, such as healthcare facilities, will continue to follow infection-control recommendations.
Dr. Walensky cautions that, due to the unpredictable nature of this virus, previous guidance may go back into effect should scientific data calls for the need.
If you develop symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, you are asked to wear your mask.
Furthermore, the CDC continues to strongly encourage Americans to schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Those who have not been vaccinate remain at risk for mild to severe illness, death, and of spreading the disease to others.
“This is an exciting and powerful moment,” said Dr. Walensky. “It could only happen because of the work of so many who made sure that we had the rapid administration of three safe and effective vaccines.”
Virginians who are not yet vaccinated can visit Vaccinate Virginia’s website at: vaccinate.virginia.gov.
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