The Pennsylvania Department of Health has updated the state's order regarding face coverings amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The amended policy aligns with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
According to the CDC, those who have received full doses of the vaccine can visit with others indoors who have been vaccinated or others from a single household who are low-risk and unvaccinated without wearing a mask or maintaining a physical distance.
In addition, those who have been fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine or be tested if they are asymptomatic after a known exposure to the virus.
“The vaccines that are currently available across the state and country are highly effective at protecting vaccinated people against severe and symptomatic COVID-19,” Acting Secretary Beam said. “Research has shown that fully vaccinated people are less likely to have asymptomatic infection and potentially less likely to spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to others. However, there is still more to learn about how long protection lasts and how much vaccines protect against new variants of the virus, so some prevention measures will continue to be in place for all people, regardless of their vaccination status.”
The health department says precautions must still be taken in public by wearing masks and social distancing, even if fully vaccinated. Also, if a fully vaccinated person experiences symptoms of COVID-19, he or she should be tested.
Though announced Monday, the orders went into effect on March 17.