Mask rules change for fully vaccinated individuals

(MAY 17, 2021) The federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides the country with guidance about COVID-19. The government agency has said that wearing masks is important to bring the pandemic under control. On May 13, the CDC updated its guidance, and the state of Oregon immediately did the same.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced last week that the state will follow CDC guidance about masks. That means that fully-vaccinated Oregonians do not need to wear masks or practice social distancing in most public spaces.

The federal and state government hope this change will encourage more people to get the vaccine. The vaccine is free, and it is much easier to get now. In fact, the federal government has now authorized COVID-19 vaccines for children 12-16 years old.

The federal guidelines still recommend wearing masks in crowded situations indoors. That includes public transportation, hospitals, prisons, and shelters for homeless people. The governor added that Oregon schools will continue to require masks this school year.

“Oregonians now have a choice of how to protect themselves and others from COVID-19: either get vaccinated or continue wearing a mask and following physical distancing requirements,” she said. “If we all continue to do our part, the pandemic is coming closer to an end.”

Dr. Dean Sidelinger works for the state of Oregon. He added more details. Oregon businesses may have to confirm the vaccination status of their customers if they want to let them be mask-free.

“Businesses should have a plan to either keep the current guidance in place, where they require physical distancing and masking for everyone, or implement a plan where they’re checking the vaccination status of those who come in,” Sidelinger told reporters Friday. Individuals who can provide they were vaccinated can enter the business without a mask and with less physical distancing.

Meanwhile, Governor Brown has said that more rules will be lifted when at least 70% of Oregonians 16 and older have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine.