vector image of an entire family wearing masks to protect against COVID-19


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its mask guidance Thursday for people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The guidance is quite detailed, but its main points can be summarized. Simply put, those who have been fully vaccinated are safe to do the following in non-healthcare settings, according to the CDC:

- Resume all activities without wearing a mask or practicing social distancing, as long as the social gathering is permitted by federal, state and local law.

- Travel without having to test for COVID-19 or self-quarantine.

- Not test for COVID-19 before leaving the Untied States, as long as testing isn't required by that destination.

- Not quarantine after a known exposure to COVID-19, as long as the person being exposed is asymptomatic.

Those who are fully vaccinated should still get tested for COVID-19 if they're experiencing symptoms.