On Thursday, May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that fully vaccinated Americans can do without a mask in most situations. The federal guidelines raised concerns about whether state and local officials should revise their mask ordinances, and some states, such as Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, and Minnesota, are already lifting mandates. It is currently unclear what Governor DeSantis will do in the state of Florida, despite recently lifting local Covid-19 restrictions.
While most indoor and outdoor areas can be visited by vaccinated people without a mask, there are a few exceptions. Vaccinated people still have to cover their faces while flying, using public transport, visiting health facilities, and in facilities such as prisons and homeless shelters. The CDC also said vaccinated Americans must continue to comply with existing state, local, or tribal laws and regulations, and follow the rules governing local businesses and workplaces.
“We all longed for this moment,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky at a press conference at the White House on Thursday the May 13 pandemic. “
Still, about 64 percent of Americans are not yet fully vaccinated. Despite a larger range of vaccines, vaccination rates are falling – even if more freedom is promised after vaccination.