Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated it’s travel guidelines for Americans.
More, the guidelines are for fully vaccinated individuals traveling within the United States. And note, a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine.
However, everyone must still follow key safety steps, including wearing a mask. But the updated guidelines eliminate the need to self-quarantine or get tested after travel.
Last month, the CDC released new guidelines for social gatherings of vaccinated individuals.
Despite the CDC release today, health experts still caution individuals to reduce travel if possible.
During this period, everyone is still asked to follow key preventative steps, even after full vaccination. More, masks remain key. And as a reminder, here are our mask messages:
Wearing a mask is essential to halt the virus. It is one of the key steps we can all take. Here is why.
Masks Telegraph a Key Health Message
A mask is a health message. Wearing one telegraphs an important health message.
A mask reminds the person wearing it that the virus is serious. It also reminds others of the same message, too. Please set a positive example for others. Wear a mask.
Masks Protect the Person Wearing the Mask
Masks help protect us from the virus. This is key.
Masks Protect Others, too
Masks also protect others if we have the virus. It can be days before symptoms appear. Yet, you could still spread it. Also, some people carry the virus but never experience symptoms themselves.
Please wear a mask. And encourage others, too.
A Face Shield Alone is not enough
A face shield alone will not stop COVID-19. Here is why.
We first published this story on September 2. It is worth repeating:
A simple study shows the limits of a plastic face shield. And that they will not protect us from the virus. But they have some benefits. Instead, you need to wear a face mask. Masks are key to halting the virus.
A study done at the Florida Atlantic University shows that a face shield alone will not protect the person wearing the shield. Also, they will not protect others.
However, wearing a face mask with the face shield does work.
Face shields alone do not protect us. But they do provide advantages. Experts point out that a face shield will protect the eyes and discourage touching of the face.
Illustration by Natasha Remarchuk