Public Health Agency of Canada releases guidance on what fully vaccinated can do

 

Canadians who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can hug each other, attend barbecues and have a small group of friends over for dinner without wearing a mask or staying apart, but might still want to protect themselves at crowded concerts, sports events or house parties, public health officials say.

The Public Health Agency of Canada released guidelines Friday on what those who have had two shots against COVID-19 can do as Canada's vaccination rates climb.

At an earlier news conference, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced 26 per cent of Canadians eligible for a vaccine have had both of their shots, giving them their best chance protection against the virus.

More than 76 per cent of those eligible have also received a single shot, he said.

To date, Canada has delivered 43 million vaccine doses to provinces, which are rolling out inoculation campaigns. The federal government expects to hit 50 million deliveries by the end of June, and 68 million by the end of July.

With more vaccines streaming into the country, provinces have begun lifting health restrictions to allow more people to socialize, putting pressure on the agency to release guidelines around what those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can do safely.

"If you're fully vaccinated there's a lot that you can do now with a lowered risk," said chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam Friday, adding people still need to "think twice" about going into crowded indoor areas.

The agency's advice outlined scenarios using an infographic for when people should wear masks and physically distance, based on their own vaccination status and whether those around them have been immunized.

For example, it says someone who meets people who are double-dosed for a small outdoor gathering, like a family BBQ, doesn't need to physically distance or wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.

When going over to a house with a small group of family or friends who are fully vaccinated to watch hockey or have dinner, the agency said those who have had two shots don't need to wear a mask or worry about getting too close.

People without both shots can consider doing the same, it says, if everyone feels OK and there's no one at risk of more severe illness.

In outdoor settings where people with unknown vaccination statuses from different households are mixing, say at a wedding or soccer game, the agency advises someone who is fully vaccinated not needing to mask up.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/public-health-agency-of-canada-releases-guidance-on-what-fully-vaccinated-can-do-1.5485955