Vaccinated Americans Can Now Be Outside Without Masks in Most Situations

Vaccination Numbers Rise

The decision to revise the guidelines also comes as more and more Americans have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Over half of all adult Americans have received at least one dose of the vaccine with more than one-third at the fully vaccinated level. Health officials are hopeful that this reward of loosening the guidelines will motivate more people to get off of the fence and seek out a COVID-19 vaccine.

Despite the rising vaccination numbers, the US has still seen over 570,000 deaths attributed to the virus since the beginning of the pandemic. The new changes to the CDC recommendations are yet another step on the road back to normalcy to Americans who have understandably grown weary over the past year.

What About Indoor vs. Outdoor Spaces

The CDC is still advising Americans to wear masks while in public indoor spaces, regardless of their vaccination status. This includes movie theaters, malls, arenas, gyms, and museums. Vaccinated individuals also have the green light to dine outdoors with friends from multiple households and attend small outdoor gatherings with vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

It is important to note that people are considered to be fully vaccinated by CDC standards two weeks after the second dose of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine or two weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

It also should be noted that these recommendations are simply recommendations. Individual states will continue to roll out their own rules regarding the pandemic.

Biden Addresses Changes

President Joe Biden used the opportunity to address the nation about the revised guidelines. Biden spoke from the White House, pointing out that the changes give more freedom to Americans as they seek to return to normal life. It is clear that the president is using these changes as a carrot to entice more Americans to get the vaccine.