US residents fully vaccinated against Covid can now meet indoors as normal

Tuesday, 9th March 2021, 10:59 am
Updated Tuesday, 9th March 2021, 10:59 am
US residents fully vaccinated against Covid can now meet indoors as normal (Photo: Shutterstock)

People in the US who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 are now able to meet up and socialise indoors without face masks or social distancing.

Following an update to the Covid guidelines in the US by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), people who’ve received both Covid jabs will be able to meet up without restrictions.

However, in the UK, the rules currently remain the same for everyone. You should not meet with others indoors, even if both parties are fully vaccinated.

What are the new US guidelines?

Fully vaccinated individuals are still being advised to follow social distancing rules, avoid large gatherings and wear masks when out in public.

However, in smaller groups and in private settings, new rules will also allow them to meet up with those considered to be at a low risk of severe disease. This means that grandparents, for example, will likely be able to meet up with young grandchildren and hug them.

While the new rules mean people who have been vaccinated have significantly more freedom, they are still advised to get tested if they develop symptoms similar to those for Covid.

What counts as being ‘fully vaccinated’?

You are considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after you receive a second dose of a Covid vaccine.

People who have only received the first dose of vaccine are likely to have significant protection from the disease, although the new eased restrictions do not apply to them.

Around nine per cent of the US population (about 30 million people) have been fully vaccinated, according to the CDC, with millions more having received their first dose.

Director of the CDC, Dr Rochelle Walensky, said: "We know that people want to get vaccinated so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love."

The US has been among the worst impacted countries from Covid, with the CDC reporting that there have been more than 29 million cases, and over 500,000 related deaths.