Kentucky’s drop in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has many of us breathing a little easier. The latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with Gov. Andy Beshear, allows us to return to many of the activities we put on hold during the height of the pandemic. Now is the time to move forward on legal matters you postponed.

Recent CDC Guidelines

In May 2021, the CDC released new guidelines that allow for greater freedoms while emphasizing the importance of prevention. At this time in the U.S., more than 126 million people are fully vaccinated and more than 160 million (about half the U.S. population) have received at least one dose. Almost 37% of Kentuckians are fully vaccinated with more than 44% receiving the first dose. Fully vaccinated is achieved two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

New Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated People

The latest guidelines have the biggest impact on fully vaccinated people.

• No longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting (except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance)
• Do not need to test after a known exposure, if asymptomatic
• Do not need to self-quarantine after a known exposure, if asymptomatic
• Can resume travel within the U.S. and do not need to self-quarantine after travel
• Do not need to test before international travel or self-quarantine when returning to the U.S. (check destination for its COVID-19 restrictions)

Fully vaccinated people should still get tested if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Individual businesses can still require masks, and masks are still required on public transportation (planes, subways, buses, etc.) as well as certain settings (homeless shelters, nursing homes).

Unvaccinated people should follow the guidelines updated in March 2021. Masks, physical distancing, avoiding crowds and handwashing are important steps to help protect yourself from the virus.

Wanting to get vaccinated? Use your zip code to find locations nearest you.

Gov. Beshear’s May 13 Executive Order affirms CDC guidance and outlines specific situations where masks are still required and who is exempt. Local jurisdictions are encouraged to follow the latest recommendations.

What’s Next for Kentucky

Effective June 11, all capacity restrictions will be removed for businesses, venues, and other locations. Until that time, there are still capacity restrictions based on the business type. Most mask requirements also will end at the time. Some businesses, especially national chains, may continue to require masks. Gov. Beshear asks Kentuckians to respect those requirements. The unvaccinated who are most vulnerable to the virus are still encouraged to wear a mask and take other precautionary measures.

Fully Open to Serve You

At Smith & Wilcutt, LLC, we are dedicated to providing a clean, safe environment. From estate planning to criminal defense, our skilled attorneys can represent your best interests. Experience you can trust is why we were named a Best of Bowling Green law firm.

Contact Smith & Wilcutt, LLC online or by phone at (270) 972-4068.