CDC issues new guidance for Americans who are vaccinated against COVID-19 and new guidance for summer camps

The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention released the updated guidance Tuesday regarding usage of masks during the ongoing pandemic, saying that fully vaccinated Americans don’t need to wear facial coverings outdoors anymore unless they are in a big crowd of strangers. The CDC went as far as stating that those who are unvaccinated can go without masks outside in some cases, too.

The CDC said Monday, more than 42% of all Americans have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, and nearly 29% were fully vaccinated. The COVID-19 outbreak has killed over 570,000 people in the U.S.

More than 7.2 million Texans (32.54%) are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 47.71% have had at least one dose. As of April 26, there are 91,612 active cases statewide and 2,718 patients currently hospitalized in Texas due to the virus. Since the pandemic began, Texas has reported 48,973 deaths from the novel coronavirus.

Tuesday’s newest guidelines state that fully vaccinated or not, anyone can go without wearing masks outdoors when they walk, bike, run or are with members of their households. It is being advised that everyone should continue the use of facial coverings when in crowded outdoor events.

The CDC issued updated guidance over the weekend for youth camps planning to open this summer, stressing the importance of wearing masks, practicing social distancing and staff getting vaccinated as soon as possible. The federal health agency said its guidance is meant to supplement but not replace any state or local rules that the summer camps must follow.

The guidelines also state that camp activities should occur outside as much as possible and discourages playing close-contact or indoor sports. The CDC says overnight camps should also ask everyone who isn’t fully vaccinated to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 1-3 days before camp arrival.

The agency also suggests creating cohorts, or groups of campers and staff that stay together throughout the day, and minimize interaction and mixing with other camper groups.

The CDC noted that fewer children have gotten sick with COVID-19 compared with adults, but children are more likely to be asymptomatic or have milder symptoms and can still spread the virus to others.

There are no COVID-19 vaccines approved for children of all ages yet.

The most recent Kerr County COVID-19 statistics show that 26% of county residents are fully vaccinated. Kerr County will be hosting a mass vaccination clinic May 3-7, at Kerrville First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive, in Kerrville, and no appointments are required.

COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone 16 years and older, free of charge, despite an individual’s health insurance status.