The vaccinated need to know: What’s safe for them to do?

The easiest decision point is around essential activities people previously considered to be too high-risk. Those who put off medical appointments such as cancer screenings or dental visits should get them taken care of now. Those not working solely because of fear of exposure could return knowing that they’re reasonably protected from serious illness.

I think the guidance can go further and say that some nonessential activities are okay, too, with precautions. People longing to go to the gym or out to a restaurant should be able to, as long as they continue to abide by rules like masking and distancing in case they are infectious to others. I’d still warn against the newly vaccinated going to crowded bars, and they should take particular caution if they live with unvaccinated people to not bring the virus home.

If everyone in a household is vaccinated, I believe recommendations can allow for more activities previously deemed high-risk. A couple who want to get together with another fully vaccinated couple are probably fine to do so, including to hug and see one another indoors, without masks. They should probably still avoid large gatherings, because risk increases with exposure, and there’s no guarantee that everyone who says they’re vaccinated truly is.