Wisconsin Department of Health Services Aligning with CDC's Guidance on Masking

Monday, May 17th, 2021 -- 11:02 AM

(WMTV) Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services is aligning with new CDC guidance that fully vaccinated people can resume activities they did before the pandemic, without wearing a mask.

Fully vaccinated people can take part in indoor and outdoor activities, large and small. DHS also reports people also do not need to get tested for a known COVID-19 exposure unless they are residents or employees of a correctional or detention facility or a homeless shelter.

DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake described the change Friday as an “exciting step forward.” A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second Pfizer or Moderna shot, or two weeks out from their one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Regardless of vaccination status, health officials say people should continue wearing a mask in health care settings, K-12 schools, and public transportation, among other locations.

People also still have to wear masks when it is required by local or tribal health departments, as well as businesses and workplaces. Health officials added that studies have shown vaccines are 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 disease, hospitalization and death.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.