CDC issues new mask-wearing guidance as Yankee team members, Bill Maher reportedly get infected

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As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidance Thursday allowing fully vaccinated individuals to resume normal activities without wearing a mask, eight members of the New York Yankees and HBO "Real Time" host Bill Maher reportedly got COVID-19 despite being vaccinated.

Eight members of the New York Yankees, including coaches, staff members and a player, tested positive for coronavirus this week despite receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two weeks ago, according to CNN. All but one person is asymptomatic.

The taping of this week's HBO show Real Time With Bill Maher has been canceled following the host's positive test for COVID-19, HBO confirmed by Twitter. Maher is fully vaccinated and is also asymptomatic.

If someone gets COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated, the symptoms could be less severe, according to the CDC.

Famed digital health pioneer Eric Topol took to Twitter, as did many people, calling the term "breakthrough" COVID-19 infections "so off the mark."

Most show up because a routine COVID-19 test was done, he said. "Rarely are there symptoms," he said. Also the chance of someone who is fully vaccinated spreading the virus is close to zero, he said.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Many were surprised by the CDC's announcement Thursday, including epidemiologists who reportedly expected a longer period for mask-wearing protocols. Individuals who have received both shots of Moderna or Pfizer or the one dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine are allowed to resume activities two weeks after being vaccinated, including indoors, without wearing a mask or physical distancing six feet apart.

Exceptions exist through federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

Travelers will still be required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. 

As far as physicians and other personnel, the CDC in April recommended that all staff wear face masks at all times while they are in the healthcare facility. The CDC did not specifically address this guidance.

THE LARGER TREND

The CDC said it is still learning how effective the vaccines are against variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. Early data show the vaccines may work against some variants but could be less effective against others.

Clinical trials have shown that the vaccines don't necessarily prevent infection, but do lower symptom severity and contagion.
 

Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com