If you thought getting the COVID vaccine meant an immediate return to a “normal” life, think again. Today the CDC issued guidelines that offer a little more freedom, but make it clear face masks will still be the norm and gathering with large groups is still a long way off. The good news is fully vaccinated people can, “visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors.” Vaccinated people can also visit with unvaccinated people from a single home indoors with no masks on, if the unvaccinated people are at low-risk for severe disease.
Now for the bad news. According to the CDC, travel is still not recommended and no one should be gathering in large groups. Also masks should be kept on for everyone, when in public. Social distancing should also be maintained.
One other noteworthy change from the CDC is that people who are vaccinated can now skip quarantining after coming into contact with someone who tests positive for COVID unless they have symptoms.
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky laid out all the new guidelines during the White House COVID briefing Monday morning.