As more people receive their COVID-19 vaccine, everyone is beginning to ask when their lives can get back to normal.

You might assume that you no longer need to wear a mask if have received the vaccine, but there is actually not enough information available for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop recommending that people wear masks and avoid close contact with others.

The goal is to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, so experts need to completely understand the protection that the COVID-19 vaccine provides to others in real-world conditions before a decision is made on wearing masks and social distancing.

The CDC plans to continuously update what they know about the vaccine as they continue learning.

One of the most important factors necessary for life getting back to normal is how many people are getting vaccinated.  While it has been difficult for many of us during these times, we all can make a difference in getting our normal lives back by encouraging others to get the vaccine. There are a lot of people that will not be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine for a variety of reasons, so those that are able to get the vaccine should try to get their vaccine to protect those who cannot.

As we continue to vaccinate everyone, I think it is important to remember all the ways that we can help slow the spread of the virus.

It is possible to spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick, so following these recommendations can protect you and everyone around you:

• Continue to wear a mask over your nose and mouth to protect yourself and others.
  • Remember that some people are not able to wear a mask due to medical issues, so you are also protecting them by wearing a mask correctly.
• Try to stay 6 feet from others and avoid crowds.
  • Continue minimizing your social interactions to the best of your ability.
• Wash your hands frequently.
  • Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help prevent the spread of the virus, especially if you have been or are in a public place.
• Clean and disinfect anything that may be dirty on a daily basis.
  • When disinfecting surfaces, be sure to use a product that is known to kill the virus.
• Monitor your health daily by checking for symptoms and taking your temperature.
  • Try to stay ahead of the virus by being alert to protect yourself and others.

While the end of the pandemic is finally in sight, we still have a lot to do to get back to our normal lives. It is estimated that 70-80% of the population needs to be vaccinated to achieve indirect protection from COVID-19. We are far from this goal at this time, but we can get there if we work together.

References: CDC.gov/coronavirus