CDC mask announcement: What did the agency say?

THE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has eased indoor mask-wearing guidelines for fully vaccinated people.

The May 13 announcement comes as the CDC and the Biden administration faced pressure to ease restrictions for those who have received protection from Covid-19.

What did the CDC say about masks?

The CDC announced that vaccinated Americans don't need to wear masks indoors or outdoors unless they are using public transportation or are at the doctor's office.

"If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic," the CDC said in a statement.

"The science is clear: if you are fully vaccinated, you are protected, and you can start doing the things that you stopped doing because of the pandemic."

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky added: “We have all longed for this moment – when we can get back to some sense of normalcy."

The easing of restrictions comes with US coronavirus cases at their lowest rate since September, deaths are at their lowest point since last April and the test positivity rate is at the lowest point since the pandemic began.

Walensky announced the new guidance at a White House briefing. She said those who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks indoors.

She emphasized that the more people continue to get vaccinated, the faster infections will drop – and the harder it will be for the virus to mutate enough to escape vaccines.

The CDC leader also urged everyone 12 and older who’s not yet vaccinated to sign up.

However, she said people who have weak immune systems should speak with their doctors before removing their masks.

The CDC had been criticized for its slow pace in rolling back the mask regulations, even as states began easing restrictions as vaccine distribution ramped up.

The agency cited three studies – one from Israel and two from the US – that show the Covid-19 vaccine protects against the spread.

What are the travel requirements?

No test or quaratine will be required for vaccinated people traveling within the US.

If traveling internationally, a test will only be needed if the destination country requires it.

A negative test will need to be shown before boarding to return to the US.

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