CDC Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People


To: Susquehanna Conference  From: Doug Hoy  Date: Monday, May 17, 2021  Subject: CDC PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FULLY VACCINATED PEOPLE 

www.susmb.org 

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse Twitter: @UMCDisResp 

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and  perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope…" (Romans 5:3-4). 

On May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released interim public health recommendations  indicating people who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear a mask or physically distance themselves when indoors or outdoors. In doing so, the CDC has recognized the “vaccines in the United States are highly effective at  protecting vaccinated people against symptomatic and severe COVID-19,” and “that fully vaccinated people are less  likely to have asymptomatic infection or transmit SARS-CoV-2 to others.” The guidance provides recommendations for  addressing how fully vaccinated people can safely resume activities, approach domestic and international travel and, manage isolation, quarantine, and testing. 

If you are fully vaccinated, you may begin participating in activities as you did before the pandemic. You may do this  while not wearing a mask or physically distancing except where it may be required by federal, state, local, tribal, or  territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. The CDC still recommends  people who are not fully vaccinated continue to wear masks indoors. If you are not vaccinated, please consider doing so. It is now recommended that everyone 12 years of age and older get a COVID-19 vaccination. Widespread vaccination is  a critical tool to help stop the pandemic. You can find vaccination locations by visiting vaccines.gov, calling 1-800-232- 

0233, or texting your zip code to 438829. 

While moving in the right direction, we continue to face challenges from the pandemic. COVID-19 and its variants are  still a concern. As you begin making plans to resume indoor worship, be mindful of this and continue ministering to the needs of your congregation and community. While the CDC has offered its recommendations, there are still many  among us who are not vaccinated, are in high risk categories, or are just not ready to return to worship in a congregate setting. Continue to make the health and welfare of your congregation a priority by maintaining adequate air flow, having hand sanitizer and face coverings available, and providing alternate worship opportunities online and virtually. Should you need guidance, your district superintendents and the Conference COVID advisory group are available to  answer your questions and provide additional assistance. 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:2-3). We have fought the good fight, held steadfast to our faith,  and persevered in the face of our trials. We are “Better Together” while having spent the last year apart. As we return to  in-person worship with the “Beloved Community” of believers who are called Christians and United Methodists, let us do it safely. And, as we do, let our focus be on the joy we find in Jesus, the one who has been and will always be present  in our lives.

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