Updated: What You Can Do Once You’re Fully Vaccinated
Last month, we put together a list of dos and don'ts for when you’ve received your second vaccine, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines. And of course, weeks later, the agency turned around and released updates to their initial recommendations. Since we’re committed to giving you the most up-to-date information, read on to find out what’s new. Spoiler alert: we think you’re really going to like this one.
ICYMI: Initial Guidelines
According to the CDC’s early March guidelines, fully vaccinated individuals can:
Safely be indoors with other vaccinated people without wearing a mask
Safely be indoors with unvaccinated people without having to wear a mask
Be identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive for Covid-19, without needed to quarantine or be tested
Newest Additions
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the good news. As of the CDC’s April 2 update, travel is finally back on the table. Read on to find out what’s new regarding domestic and international travel.
If you’re traveling within the United States, you do not need to get tested before or after traveling, and there is no need to quarantine upon your return.
If traveling internationally—which, we kind of doubt is happening between now and the end of the semester, but we’re jealous if you are all the same—you do not need to be tested before you leave (unless your destination requires it) or quarantine upon your return. You will need to show a negative test result in order to fly back to the U.S., though.
Most importantly, the CDC says that fully vaccinated people traveling are less likely to contract or spread Covid-19. However, it’s important to remain respectful to your destination and the people in it by wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.
In a White House press briefing on April 2, CDC director Rochelle Walensky noted that while restrictions are easing for those who are fully vaccinated, they aren’t suggesting people go wild with nonessential travel and that there is still a concern for those who are unvaccinated.
“We know that people want to get vaccinated so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love,” says Walensky, adding that “the recommendations are just a first step.”
As of April 10, roughly 35% of the U.S. population has had their first dose of the vaccine, while just over 20% are fully vaccinated. Remember, you are only considered “fully vaccinated” (and able to take advantage of these rules) if you are two weeks away from your final dose.
Here at The Edge, we want to remind you that whether you’re vaccinated or not, you should still make an effort to wear your mask, social distance, and wash your hands for the safety of yourself and the Elon community.
Cover photo by John Cameron on Unsplash.