CDC eases mask-wearing for vaccinated, but Bay Area health official says it’s too early

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KGO) — Fourth Avenue in downtown San Rafael may as effectively have been Mainstreet, USA, at the moment, no less than when it comes to COVID-19 and face masks.

“I really feel a way of freedom, now,” mentioned Lauren Carmichael whereas sporting a large smile. “No Masks! Recent air! I can see folks smiling once more!”

Information of a brand new masks and social distancing coverage started filtering down simply previous 11 a.m., with an announcement by Dr. Rochelle Walensky, who directs the Facilities for Illness Management.

“Anybody who’s totally vaccinated can take part in indoor or out of doors actions, giant or small, with out sporting a masks or bodily distancing. In case you are totally vaccinated you possibly can start doing the belongings you stopped doing earlier than the pandemic,” Walensky mentioned.

EXPLAINER: What fully vaccinated people can, cannot do according to CDC’s new mask guidelines

Most issues, anyway. You’ll nonetheless must put on a masks on airplanes, however not at concert events or sporting occasions. The CDC has concluded that not solely do the vaccines work, however sufficient of us have acquired them to ease masks restrictions.

Nevertheless, states and counties might want to approve these pointers. “To me that is an incentive to be vaccinated,” mentioned Dr. Matt Willis of Marin County Well being. “This isn’t an indication that the coast is evident and we are able to abandon masks sporting.”

Dr. Willis nonetheless worries about folks congregating primarily based on the glory system.

Not everybody packs a vaccination card like Tom Ryan, who we discovered watching a soccer sport within the Mayflower Pub. “I simply carry it in case somebody needs to know.”

RELATED: Stores reviewing face mask policies after new CDC guidance released Thursday

The brand new pointers are welcome information for eating places and in addition do nail salons. “Effectively fortunate for me, I am double vaccinated,” mentioned Laurie Rinker whereas soaking her ft. “My husband known as the masks a social passport. I am prepared to tear it off!”

Well being golf equipment celebrated at the moment, as effectively. “Thank God we’re free. I can breathe once more,” exclaimed Chad Corridor as he took a breather between units.

As as to if these measures arrive too early, Dr. Willis continues to be unsure.

“The query is when. What’s the proper time? In my thoughts this t feels untimely. Each crowd will likely be a mixture of vaccinated folks and unvaccinated folks. And if they don’t seem to be protecting their faces, transmission will happen,” mentioned Dr. Willis.

Briefly, masks free nonetheless doesn’t imply fear free.

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