DOTHAN, Ala. – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its COVID-19 guidelines Thursday stating that fully vaccinated individuals need not wear masks or social distance in most situations.
Those recommendations have no effect on state and local ordinances, and won’t have much impact in most of the state. Alabama ended its statewide mask mandate on April 9. Birmingham is the only city with an ordinance requiring all individuals to wear masks in public places, and it expires on May 24. An ordinance in Montgomery expired May 9.
Birmingham’s mask mandate requires face coverings to be worn whenever people older than 2 years old interact with others, but not during individual outdoor exercise. It is punishable by a $25 fine for the first offense, $100 for the second and $250 for the third.
Alabama still imposes some restrictions at senior centers, but those restrictions are set to expire May 31. The state of emergency is expected to expire on July 6, unless the state experiences a resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
The new CDC guidelines are based on a growing body of evidence that COVID-19 vaccines effectively prevent infection and transmission in real world settings. About 1.2 million people in Alabama have completed the vaccine series, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.
“Finally, we are seeing some encouraging, common sense guidance from the CDC,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “Alabama certainly welcomes this good news that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks or maintain social distancing inside or outside, regardless of size. We Alabamians have already embraced this idea, and I am glad the CDC has made it official.”
Even people who are vaccinated will be required to wear masks in certain situations. Masks are required on planes, trains and buses and inside airports, bus and train stations. Doctors offices, hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities and homeless shelters will also continue to require masks.
In areas without mask mandates, rules may remain in place for individual businesses or workplaces. Children younger than 12 are not eligible for vaccines, and some schools still require masks.
The demand for vaccines in Alabama has slowed in recent weeks and the state lags far behind the national average. Masks and social distancing are still recommended for those who have not been fully vaccinated.
“We continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated to protect themselves and others from COVID-19,” said State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris. “Vaccination is safe, effective and free. If you have concerns, talk with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system.”
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines consist of two shots given several weeks apart. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is a single shot. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the final shot. Alabama health officials opened vaccination to all eligible patients in early April.
“Aside from the COVID-19 vaccine being safe and effective, it is also allowing us to do the things we love and enjoy,” Ivey said. “Alabama is open for business. Alabama classrooms are open for students. Y’all, Alabamians are getting back to living. So, Alabama, roll up your sleeves and get the vaccine!”
