For the Tomahawk Leader
LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) on Monday, May 17 released updated guidance regarding individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19 “being able to resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing.”
“This updated guidance reflects the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing the spread of the disease,” LCHD stated. “Therefore, individuals who are fully vaccinated can start returning to normal activities.”
An individual is considered “fully vaccinated” if it has been two weeks since receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or if the same amount of time has passed after receiving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
As of Monday, May 17, 10,047 Lincoln County residents (36.4%) had been fully vaccinated, according to LCHD.
“Mask wearing regardless of vaccination status continues to be an important tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Lincoln County,” LCHD stated.
LCHD said fully vaccinated individuals should continue to wear face coverings in health care settings; K-12 schools; places where masks are required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, or regulations, including businesses and workplaces; correctional and detention facilities; homeless shelters; and on all planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
“At this time, there is limited data on vaccine protection in people who are immunocompromised,” LCHD stated. “People with immunocompromising conditions should discuss the need for masks with their healthcare provider after being vaccinated.”
According to the CDC, cases have decreased “dramatically” over the past few weeks, LCHD said, noting that a “growing number of studies” have shown that vaccines are more than 90% effective, vaccines are effective against COVID-19 variants, and fully vaccinated people are “less likely to spread the virus.”
“A growing body of evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people are less likely to have asymptomatic infection and to be able to transmit SARS-CoV-2 to others,” LCHD stated.
LCHD said organizations are “encouraged to adopt policies that align with the updated CDC and DHS guidance,” but noted that it “supports the decision of businesses or organizations that continue to require masking for the safety of their staff and clients.”
The updated CDC guidance can be found at www.bit.ly/3opPl2h.
“LCHD is hopeful this guidance will encourage others to get vaccinated to protect our families, friends and community,” LCHD stated.
To find a vaccination site, visit www.vaccines.gov.