So, you got the COVID-19 vaccine. Can you make up for all the missed gatherings of the past year and kick your social calendar into high gear? Will you be able to see people’s smiles mask-free and give hugs? Yes, but not immediately, and not with everyone, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of a two-dose vaccine series or two weeks after a one-dose vaccine. Until those two weeks have passed, even those who received the vaccination are asked to maintain vigilant social distancing and mask-wearing.
The CDC says that fully vaccinated people can visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing. They also say that it is safe to visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.
Fully vaccinated people can also refrain from quarantining and testing following exposure if asymptomatic.
The CDC acknowledges that they are still learning how the virus is transmitted and that recommendations are subject to change as more people get vaccinated and knowledge of the virus progresses.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
