Here are some differences in my life since being vaccinated. I think it's a moving target and the status quo will change again and again over time, since it already has. We learn more, our comfort level changes. I've been:
- Walking around outside without a mask near other people, without being suspicious that I am accidentally breathing in when they just breathed out.
- Wearing a cloth mask and not just an N95.
- Grocery shopping with mask still on, partly to signal to other people visually that I'm not spreading anything. (Can't go around saying "I've been vaccinated! I've been vaccinated!" to strangers to reassure them, the mask does that.)
- Seeing my extended family inside the house and not 6 feet away, mostly without masks.
- Hugging my mom!
We are not sure of effect of vaccine on new variants therefore safety is best option
Doing all my usual things no problem!
I live in a state with one of the highest case counts, and my county has consistently been in the top 25 for the country. Even being fully vaccinated, I can't imagine eating inside a restaurant, going to the movies (which I don't think are open), or doing anything indoors without a mask.
However, I have some risk for complications, and have essentially been home for a year. What has changed is that I feel safer out in the world. I saw my mom and sister for Mother's Day. :)
We’ve continued to do a lot of the things we always did, but with extra precaution - lots of it!!
Although I’m totally in favor of “freedom”, it concerns me that CDC let it go on the “honor system” because we know a lot of people were against masking to begin with, so of course, it’s ridiculous to think that any of them are suddenly going to be concerned about anyone else’s welfare and decide to wear a mask because they haven’t been vaccinated.
As Paxiled said - we have no way of knowing who’s vaccinated and no one is allowed to ask, so for right now, I assume that no one is vaccinated and still wear my mask whenever I go into a store or other inside place
That said, I never have worn a mask outside unless I’ve been in close proximity to other people.
Fully vaccinated (thank you Moderna). As for normal activities or the ones you list.... gym (not fully open yet), movies (hardly went pre-covid, so no), restaurants (see movies answer), sporting events (see movies answer). Masking - I always start off with a mask (I don't like wearing one) then if I see/understand that I can take it off and others are fine with it I do. I wear it for the benefit/comfort of others mostly. My location is still not fully "back to normal". I am not worried for me, but for those in my immediate circle, I would hate to pass it on to someone who is truly vulnerable.
Read the part near the bottom titled. "Hospitalized or fatal COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases reported to CDC as of May 24, 2021"
As of May 24, 2021, more than 130 million people in the United States had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. During the same time, CDC received reports from 47 U.S. states and territories of vaccine breakthrough cases in patients who were hospitalized or died.
Hospitalized or fatal vaccine breakthrough cases reported to CDC 2,454
The number of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections reported to CDC likely are an undercount of all SARS-CoV-2 infections among fully vaccinated persons. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/health-departments/breakthrough-cases.html
So, for me, I've had covid as well as am fully vaccinated. It's a relief. I followed all guidelines throughout this entire pandemic. Our state has very low numbers and has dropped all mask mandates. At first it felt weird to go to the grocery or into a restaurant without a mask. But now it feels pretty good. I'm still careful, I don't crowd into areas with lots of people, wash my hands, etc. I keep a mask in my purse, car, pocket at all times. But am less inclined to wear it. If numbers go up in my state or there is some kind of new fear that they are giving directive on, I'll do as they say to do. But I am no longer afraid of covid. Even with new strains. New strains are something they are monitoring. If there is substantial threat to vaccinated folks, I believe they will let us know, change directions again and hopefully provide a booster. Everybody has to do what they are comfortable with.
None whatsoever, not at all sure what effect of vaccine is on new Variants