Monday, March 8, 2021

U.S. Records 29 Million COVID-19 Cases & 525,000 Deaths as CDC Eases Mask Guidelines

Early this morning, the United States recorded both its 29 millionth COVID-19 cases and passed 525,000 deaths. According to Johns Hopkins University, there are 29,040,513 COVID-19 cases which have resulted in the deaths of 525,701 Americans. This represents a mortality rate of 1.8%. 

Also today, the CDC released new mask guidelines for fully vaccinated people. The CDC defines fully vaccinated people as individuals at least two weeks removed from receiving their second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 

The effect of this that fully vaccinated can visit other fully vaccinated people in their homes or even certain unvaccinated persons without masks and social distancing. Fully vaccinated people also do not need to quarantine or get tested should they be exposed to someone with COVID-19 unless they develop symptoms. 

However, it is not recommended that fully vaccinated people partake in medium or large indoor gatherings and to maintain a regimen of wearing a mask and socially distancing when out in public. 

Of course, it's going to be sometime before all Americans (much less a critical mass) are fully vaccinated. Still, there are now more Americans who have been vaccinated than have been infected.

Baby steps folks. People are still getting sick and still dying. But we are moving forward.

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