Fully vaccinated people in U.S. allowed to gather without masks: CDC

The CDC announced the new guidance on Monday, but still urged the vaccinated people to continue taking steps to protect themselves. /VCG

Fully vaccinated people in the U.S. will be allowed to gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask, according to new guidance published on Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The recommendations also state that vaccinated people can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Fully vaccinated persons who have been around someone who has COVID-19 will also not need to stay away from others or get tested unless they develop symptoms.

The CDC announced the new guidance on Monday, but still urged the vaccinated people to continue taking steps to protect themselves and others in many situations, like wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

The CDC reiterated that the vaccines being administered are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death.

It however noted that it was still learning how long COVID-19 vaccines can protect people.