If I received the vaccine, am I still required to wear a mask?
Yes.
While the CDC and other experts are advising that the vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, J&J) have shown success in its clinical trials as well as real-life conditions, in protecting against COVID-19, it is important that the W&J Community continue to follow CDC guidelines of wearing masks, social distancing, and frequent washing of hands. Experts are still learning about the protection of the vaccines in real-life situations, as well as understanding the new variants being discovered.
In Pennsylvania, the expansion of eligibility for all PA residents to be eligible to register for the vaccine is April 19. This means that while some in our community may have received one or both doses of the vaccines, others are still in the process of getting their vaccination shots.
It is important that we stay the course through the remainder of the academic year to ensure that we are doing our best to protect our community and mitigate the transmission of COVID-19. We will continue to monitor CDC and Pa. Department of Health web sites for any updates and changes they recommend to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.