As more people get the COVID-19 vaccine, some guidelines are changing for those who are fully vaccinated.

Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now say fully vaccinated people can be around other fully vaccinated people in a small gathering without having to wear a mask. Another change is if a fully vaccinated person comes into contact with someone who has COVID-19, the fully vaccinated individual doesn’t have to be tested or go into quarantine, unless they are having symptoms of the virus. 

Wolf notes one thing the CDC hasn’t changed is its guidance on continuing to wear a mask if you are fully vaccinated and are around those who are not vaccinated. 

“To make it simple: you’re fully vaccinated so you’re protected, yet the person who is not vaccinated, they are at an increased risk of becoming ill. Especially those with the high risk conditions.”

Wolf adds the vaccinations take two weeks following the final dose before the vaccine takes full effect.