CDC relaxes COVID-19 restrictions as more Americans get vaccinated

As more Americans get vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has loosened social distancing restrictions for those fully vaccinated.

The CDC is allowing for indoor gatherings without mask-wearing for fully vaccinated people.

In guidance issued Monday, the CDC said it would also deem safe gathering indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household: for example, visiting relatives who all live together, without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Those who have been around someone who has COVID-19 do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless they have symptoms, the CDC said. However, for those living in a group setting such as a correctional or detention facility or group home, and who are around someone with COVID-19, it is a good idea to stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even for those without symptoms.

What hasn't changed for those fully vaccinated is continuing to wear a mask in public or in a gathering of people from more than one other household, staying at least six feet apart from others and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. 

Also, mask-wearing is required when visiting with an unvaccinated person who is at increased risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 or who lives with a person at increased risk.

Those vaccinated should still avoid medium or large-sized gatherings, delay domestic and international travel, watch for symptoms of COVID-19, and follow workplace guidelines.

WHY THIS MATTERS

The new CDC recommendations show the country is rounding the corner on the pandemic after a year-long lockdown, but that precautions need to be followed to prevent further spikes.

Large gatherings, such as those that have been reported during spring break partying, is not OK.

Even though the COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death, officials are still learning how effective the vaccines are against variants of the virus. Early data show the vaccines may work against some variants, but could be less effective against others.

THE LARGER TREND

This week, the U.S. recorded nearly 40,000 new COVID-19 cases, according to tracking data from Johns Hopkins University. As of Sunday, nearly 60 million people have received at least one dose of vaccine, and half that number have been fully vaccinated, according to Forbes.

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