In a huge relief to millions to Americans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that fully vaccinated people are no longer required to wear masks in most indoor and outdoor places.

“Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance,” said the CDC in a statement.

CDC director Rochelle Walensky further explained, “Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things you had stopped doing because of the pandemic,” adding, “We have all longed for this moment when we can get back to some sense of normalcy.”

However, when it comes to immunocompromised people, CDC warned, “If you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.”

President Joe Biden addressed the nation on the subject from the Rose Garden and said, “I think it’s a great milestone, a great day.” President Biden was accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris and neither of them wore masks for this televised address. President Biden went on to say, “Today we have given out 250 million shots in 114 days, and we are seeing the results. Cases are down in 49 of the 50 states.”

*Feature Image: Screengrab from White House feed of televised address.