People who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 can now gather unmasked with other fully vaccinated people and small groups of unvaccinated individuals from one household, according to new guidelines released Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Anyone who has had both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for more than two weeks or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for more than two weeks is considered fully vaccinated.
The CDC said fully vaccinated people:
- May gather together indoors without wearing masks or socially distancing;
- May gather indoors, unmasked, with unvaccinated members of one household, unless anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19;
- Do not have to isolate or get tested for Covid-19 if they are exposed to someone who has tested positive unless they live in a group setting like a correctional facility or group home.
Despite some relaxed changes, many health measures remain necessary, like wearing a mask in all public places, the CDC said.
Masks should also be worn when gathering with unvaccinated people from more than one household or with someone who has increased risk for severe illness. Additionally, it is advised to refrain from medium and large group gatherings, as well as domestic and international travel if at all possible.
All three vaccines are proven to be effective at preventing Covid-19 illness, but mitigation efforts are still recommended and proven effective at slowing the spread of the virus.
