Dr. Anthony Fauci is encouraging fully vaccinated people to stop wearing masks outside in most settings.
During a “CBS This Morning” interview, co-host Gayle King noted that despite being fully vaccinated, she feels like others are judging her if she does not wear a mask if she is outside.
She asked, “Do you really think it’s OK? Because I still feel judged, I feel people are giving you the side-eye. It’s not comfortable.”
“We’ve gotta make that transition,” Fauci said. “If you are vaccinated, you don’t have to wear a mask outside.”
He went on to suggest that if people are in crowded settings “where people are essentially falling all over each other,” they should wear a mask.
However, he said, “But any other time, if you’re vaccinated, and you’re outside, put aside your mask you don’t have to wear it.”
Watch the video below:
The @CDCgov has cleared the way for 12 to 15 year olds to get Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, which means adolescents will be able to get the shot nationwide.
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) May 13, 2021
Dr. Anthony Fauci joins us now to explain. pic.twitter.com/VLkNV0Rd67
In April, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidelines that said fully vaccinated Americans do not need to wear masks outside except in crowded settings. It also said non-vaccinated people do not have to wear masks outside in certain settings.
President Joe Biden touted the new guidelines as a reason for Americans to get vaccinated.
He previously said, “The bottom line is clear: If you’re vaccinated, you can do more things, more safely, both outdoors as well as indoor.”
“So for those who haven’t gotten their vaccinations yet, especially if you’re younger or thinking you don’t need it, this is another great reason to go get vaccinated now,” he added.
According to the CDC, more than 35% of the population has been fully vaccinated, as of Wednesday morning.