People who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus no longer need to wear masks while indoors or outdoors or physical distance in either large or small gatherings, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky announced during a White House COVID-19 briefing Thursday. Fully vaccinated individuals are still advised to wear masks while in crowded indoor settings such as while on public transportation and in hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters. "Based on the continuing downward trajectory of cases, the scientific data on the performance of our vaccines and our understanding of how the virus spreads, that moment has come for those who are fully vaccinated." Immunocompromised individuals should consult a physician before giving up masks, Walensky said, warning that if the country's case counts go back up the guidance could change. When pressed whether public criticism pressured the CDC to update the recommendations, Walensky said the agency was following the science.

Source: Fox News May 13, 2021 17:31 UTC