Masks No Longer Recommended For Vaccinated People: CDC

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX — The Centers for Disease Control updated its guidance Thursday, stating that people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for two weeks no longer need to wear masks, indoors or outdoors, with few exceptions.

According to the CDC, people will still need to follow the guidelines set forth by local workplaces and businesses and will still be required to wear masks on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. Anyone traveling into the United States will be required to be tested within three days of their flight or provide proof of recovery in the last three months.

Montgomery County school districts kept their mask mandates in place after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott rescinded the statewide mask order and opened up the state March 2.

Conroe Independent School District is keeping its plan to make masks optional beginning June 1, with no changes in light of the CDC's announcement, Sarah Blakelock, Conroe ISD's director of communications, said.

In an update May 5, when Conroe ISD announced its revised mask policy, the district stated it would continue to monitor Montgomery County's vaccination rate and the guidance of public officials and indicated it was hopeful masks could remain optional for the 2021-22 school year.

Where and how can I get vaccinated?

Montgomery County announced earlier this week that the Woodforest Bank Stadium vaccine hub will close June 3 and will no longer be giving first doses. Residents needing a second dose are encouraged to receive it before the site closes.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has set up a public vaccination website to help Texans register for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment close to them. To schedule an appointment, click here.

National pharmacies Walgreens and CVS also are distributing the vaccine across the country. To check availability in your area and register for a vaccine, click here for CVS and here for Walgreens.
For more information on vaccination locations throughout Texas, click here.