Are Masks Still Required If You’ve Had The COVID Vaccine?

Many Minnesotans have already had the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Some people are wondering if they're still required to mask up when they're out and about in public. It's a good question, so I decided to do some digging. Here's what I found.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even if you've had the vaccine, you're still supposed to wear your mask in public. It's a little confusing, but here's why.

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In short, experts still don't quite yet understand how the virus spreads from people who have been vaccinated to those who haven't. They still need to do more real-world research...and that's only done by, you guessed it,  studying the vaccine in the real-world.

The CDC says, "We also don’t yet know whether getting a COVID-19 vaccine will prevent you from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to other people, even if you don’t get sick yourself."

While they continue to study COVID-19 vaccines, they suggest you continue to follow their guidelines.

• Wear a mask that covers your mouth and your nose.
• Social distance at least 6 feet apart from other people
• Avoid crowds
• Avoid places/spaces that are poorly ventilated
• Wash your hands

The CDC says they're still not sure when they'll stop recommending the use of masks in public. One thing is for sure, it'll be a happy day in Minnesota when we get the green light to throw them away for good.

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