Members of our labor and employment team recently published a LawFlash examining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) new guidance stating fully vaccinated individuals can safely forgo masks and social distancing requirements in most indoor locations. This policy change is due to new information showing reduced risk of COVID-19 infection in vaccinated individuals and reduced risk of transmission from fully vaccinated persons to unvaccinated persons.
The guidance also states that fully vaccinated persons can safely refrain from quarantine and routine screening requirements. The CDC was careful to note, however, that vaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks if required by federal, state, or local rules, including workplace guidance implemented by employers. The CDC recommends that unvaccinated persons continue to wear masks and social distance.