We know some of our customers are sick of us writing about the pandemic. We have heard you. But we also understand that some people are very interested. As a health and wellness company, we feel it’s essential to present the science. We’re sorry if that offends you. People who have blood sugar concerns and other health concerns are at a higher risk for serious complications for COVID-19, which is why we feel it would be irresponsible to not write about it. We still have plenty of other great content. And, with more vaccinated people every day, hopefully, we will be able to stop writing about this soon.
New guidelines from the CDC show that fully vaccinated people are safe to exercise and gather with friends without masks outside. While many of us have assumed that to be logically true, the CDC waits to announce things until they are sure. One-third of Americans are fully vaccinated, and half have had at least one dose.
“Today, I hope, is a day when we can take another step back to the normalcy of before,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. “Over the past year, we have spent a lot of time telling Americans what you can’t do. Today, I am going to tell you some of the things you can do, if you are fully vaccinated.”
Infectious disease expert Dr. Mike Saag of the Univ. of Alabama said, “It’s the return of freedom. It’s the return of us being able to do normal activities again. We’re not there yet, but we’re on the exit ramp. And that’s a beautiful thing.”
Regardless of whether you are vaccinated or not, if you are alone and won’t see anyone, a mask is unnecessary. If you are unvaccinated and everyone around you is vaccinated, you can remove your mask safely. However, at outdoor gatherings where there is a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people, it’s safer to keep your mask in place.
Everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, should wear a mask inside indoor public places, like stores and movie theaters. And, of course, you should follow the law and any rules in the stores you enter. Everyone should also mask up for huge public events outdoors like festivals, concerts and sporting events. The risk of COVID-19 spreading outdoors is low. However, it increases as more people gather. When we are making good progress, a setback is the last thing anyone wants.
Being informed of these perks might be the push some people need to get vaccinated. Places like Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Chagrin Cinemas and Market Garden Brewery have already been giving out perks to vaccinated adults. Some employers are giving out bonuses and time off to folks who get the shot. Hearing about the less material benefits as well may convince some people to get vaccinated.
