The CDC announced yesterday that if you are fully vaccinated – meaning you’ve had both shots and you’re 2 weeks after your last shot – you can stop wearing your mask and skip social distancing outdoors and in most indoor situations. Masks are still required in crowded indoor areas like buses, trains, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters. And bars and restaurants in Chicago are still requiring masks for everyone now until they get further guidance from the city's health officials.
Also, the FDA granted emergency approval this week for the use of the Pfizer vaccine in children 12 and up. The city has opened all its vaccination sites to those ages. They’re accepting appointments and walk-ins are welcome. A parent or guardian has to go with their children under 18 to get a shot. And don't be surprised if health workers encourage you to get vaccinated at the same time as your child if you haven't already gotten your shot.
There's a bonus if you’re in Indiana... this week, Girl Scouts started giving away free boxes of cookies at select vaccination sites. And across the country, Uber and Lyft are offering free rides to anyone without transportation to get their shot.
Stay safe... looks like we're close to getting through this and getting back to fun just in time for summer!