In a big move of giving relaxation to people in travel, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Friday that people who are fully vaccinated against the covid-19 can travel safely within the U.S. without getting tested or self-quarantining
However, travelers should still continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and wash their hands, whether they’re fully vaccinated or not, according to the agency.
The CDC updated its travel guidance on Friday, saying: “Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19.” The agency did say that if a destination requires testing, fully vaccinated travelers would still need to adhere to the destination’s requirements.
Fully vaccinated travelers should also still continue to self-monitor for coronavirus symptoms, self-isolate if they develop such symptoms, and follow all state and local requirements, the CDC says.
People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after their Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Travelers who’re only partially vaccinated, or have not reached the two-week mark after their final dose, should continue to follow the CDC’s recommendations for unvaccinated individuals.
Even before the CDC’s updated guidelines, People were already getting back to travel.
Earlier this week, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) data showed that the agency had screened more than 1 million travelers every day for 19 days in a row. That trend has continued through 22 days as of Thursday, marking the most extended travel rebound since the pandemic began more than a yr ago.
Last month, the CDC mentioned fully vaccinated people may also begin gathering indoors without masks with other fully vaccinated individuals. The agency further suggested that vaccinated people mingling indoors with unvaccinated people who’re considered low-risk for severe COVID-19 infection poses a low risk.
However, the CDC advised all Americans to avoid larger indoor gatherings and wear masks in public and high-risk settings, regardless of vaccination status.
