Last Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new set of recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals moving forward into the pandemic. In a press release, the CDC outlined changes in activities that vaccinated people may participate in, hoping to create the first step of many toward returning to normalcy. 

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky stated in a NY Times article, “With more and more people getting vaccinated, each day we are starting to turn a corner, and as more Americans are vaccinated, a growing body of evidence now tells us that there are some activities that fully vaccinated people can resume at low risk to themselves.” 

The CDC announced that those who have been fully vaccinated may hold indoor gatherings with other vaccinated individuals, or with unvaccinated individuals from one additional household, unless they are at high risk of severe symptoms of the virus. Vaccinated people are also not required to quarantine or get tested if they do not experience symptoms, even if they have been exposed to the virus. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their last dose. 

The CDC recommends that in public places vaccinated people should still wear masks, keep a 6-foot distance from others, avoid large gatherings, and follow CDC guidelines regarding travel. 

“Therefore, the level of precautions taken should be determined by the characteristics of the unvaccinated people, who remain unprotected against COVID-19,” according to the CDC’s latest press release. 

The CDC also states that the United States population is still at high-risk of contracting the virus, as only 9.2% of the nation is currently vaccinated. In order for circumstances to return back to normal, 85% U.S. population needs to receive the vaccine. 

“We know that people want to get vaccinated so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love,” Walensky stated. “As the science evolves and more people get vaccinated, we will continue to provide more guidance to help fully vaccinated people safely resume more activities.”

The United States currently has a major shortage of vaccines. Sonoma County, in particular, is struggling to meet the needs of its community. Many facilities, schools, and businesses are awaiting an in-person return as telecommuting continues after a year of lockdown. 

As college campuses are preparing for the return of in-person classes for the fall semester, there are many questions to be asked regarding the availability of vaccines and the hope that is arising amongst students and staff.

“I think for college students these guidelines give some hope to possible in-person classes as we can socialize with other vaccinated people,” stated Sonoma State student Carson Rasmussen. “I think these guidelines provide the reason as to why we are getting vaccinated and are a step towards a brighter future.”

Sonoma State University has released plans to reopen in the fall, if the circumstances are safe for students and the campus community. The Sonoma State Student Health Center is currently distributing vaccines for healthcare workers, childcare workers, agriculture workers, and those that are 70 years and older. The wheels are slowly turning as changes are being made on the national front. 

When asked if the CDC’s press release gave her hope for the future, Sonoma State student Hunter Petretti said, “I think the CDC’s press release does offer hope for college students. For myself personally whenever I see positive changes happening I become hopeful that the end is in sight.”

These new CDC guidelines not only provide much needed information for those who have been vaccinated, but invoke positive anticipation among unvaccinated individuals who are waiting for their turn to receive the vaccine. For more information please visit, https://www.cdc.gov.