The CDC has recently announced relaxed mask rules for people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. However, the new rules come with a few caveats. First of all, your vaccine has to be "fully in effect" which typically means it has been at least two weeks since your final shot. Vaccinated folks are allowed to go outside without masks but entering a facility without a mask requires the facility to verify the vaccination status. Without a verification protocol in place, everyone is still required to wear a mask. I have seen at least one business post signs accepting vaccinated customers without masks but there was no evidence of any kind of verification protocol. I have also seen organizations say they are accepting vaccinated folks on "the honor system". Hmmm. Hope that works!
Because of an increase in COVID cases following the original relaxation of rules, many jurisdictions have imposed stricter indoor mask requirements and put limits on indoor gatherings.
Since most of our camping activities are outdoors, the new rules may give us greater freedom from wearing masks during camping outings. Limits on the size of gatherings have been raised, making it easier for us to get together with our fellow outdoor enthusiasts. However, we are still expected to respect rules for social distancing and since there isn't any very viable way to verify all the folks in our campground or even around our campfire have been vaccinated, it may still be a good idea to continue wearing masks -- to avoid unnecessary conflict with fellow campers if nothing else. Since masks do more to prevent a contaminated person from spreading the disease than they do to protect wearers from catching it, you might feel OK not wearing a mask but it could cause conflicts with other people it the vicinity.
Camping is, as always, a GREAT family activity. Family groups who know each others vaccination status should be free to assemble without masks. You might be able to expand that to extended families and even close friends who have been vaccinated. That being said, you may want to keep your masks close at hand should you receive any visitors who may feel the need for the extra protection. While you and other vaccinated members of your group may not be at risk, un-vaccinated visitors may be worried about their risk and may be more comfortable around people wearing masks.
What a strange situation we now live in! A little over a year ago masks were only worn by ordinary people at Halloween or sometimes on New Years Eve Wearing any kind of mask at other times would would have been suspected of mischief or even possible criminal intent. Today NOT wearing a mask is seen as criminal! Saw a kind of strange post on Facebook about how, in California, it is legal to take a dump in public, but you can be arrested for doing it without wearing a mask!
As a camper and outdoor recreationalist I welcome the relaxed rules and very much look forward to the day when we can return to normal association with our neighbors and fellow campers. We are planning to de-winterize our sailboat and haul it out to the lake soon and are hoping for a sailing season that is closer to normal. Getting out on the water is a very nice way to maintain social distancing while still having fun. We seldom come anywhere near other vessels as close as the required 6' for social distancing so it is only on the docks or inside buildings that we may have to consider wearing masks.
Stay safe and have fun!
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