As of Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced fully vaccinated Americans can stop wearing masks and social distancing.
“Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance,” the CDC now says.
This reversal is a big shift from the CDC’s previous guidelines, which pushed for mask-wearing for those vaccinated.
While many criticized the CDC previously for being too strict, some see the new change in guidelines as too far in the wrong direction. Regardless, public health officials say data supports the decision.
Many states have their own laws around mask use, and employers can also still make mask usage mandatory as part of their obligation to maintain a safe workplace. It’s still unclear as to how these new guidelines affect schools.
Stay healthy, and we’re looking forward to taking you to your next destination, safely!