CDC Social Distancing Guidelines

I have been writing posts about Covid since the beginning. Here are a few in case you missed them:

• 10 Things I Learned While in Quarantine
• 5 Reasons I Love Face Masks
• Putting on Our Covid-19 Glasses
• Feel Like You Are in Prison?
• Coronavirus | How to Overcome to Fear

My husband and I have not gotten the Covid Vaccine yet.

I know I know…what are we waiting for, right?

Well, at first we were adamant about NOT getting the Covid Vaccine. We both felt uncomfortable being vaccinated with something that was hardly tested PLUS we felt uncomfortable knowing that the pharmaceutical companies have been absolved of all problems that arose from those vaccines. We just did not want to have any adverse side effects…not even knowing what those side effects would be.

Since then, I have paid attention to all of the threads about people getting the vaccine. Their immediate reactions and how they felt were important. Come to find out that some people have no reaction and some are sick from 2-14 days. No help there.

And then it came to my attention that my mind has been wrapped around how the vaccine is created. When I had NO idea how other vaccines were created. So, why this vaccine? Was it because it was being given to me…now? I never questioned vaccines when my kids were little. Because I definitely did not want them to get any childhood diseases!

Social distancing guidelines.

So here I am wondering when I can get together with my friends. When I can get together without wearing a mask. When I can get together without worry or fear.

Would having the Covid Vaccine make any difference at all as it pertains to my social life, seeing my family and friends and just getting out in the world?

Well, the CDC just released their ‘Social Distancing Guidelines'. They now have ‘Guidelines for Gatherings.'

If you have not read the article here it is: CDC Fully Vaccinated Guidelines.

Here are the key points from the CDC guidelines for gatherings:

Fully vaccinated people can:

• Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing
• Visit indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease without wearing masks or physical distancing
• Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if asymptomatic

For now, fully vaccinated people should continue to:

• Take precautions in public like wearing a well-fitted mask and physical distancing
• Wear masks, practice physical distancing, and adhere to other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease or who have an unvaccinated household member who is at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease
• Wear masks, maintain physical distance, and practice other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households
• Avoid medium- and large-sized in-person gatherings
• Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
• Follow guidance issued by individual employers
• Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations

So, there you have it….vaccinated people now have the freedom to meet with others without masks or social distancing.

Am I going to now get vaccinated? Well, my husband and I need to talk about this…. at this particular moment I am inclined to make my appointment and get the Covid Vaccine. For two main reasons:

• I can now see my vaccinated family and friends.
• I need to be able to live my life for today and not be focused on what might happen tomorrow.

So, let me ask you…in light of these new social distancing guidelines…what are you going to do?

There is also a great article in the NY Times you might like to read.