Vaccinated or Not: Recommendations for Easter 2021 in Minnesota

Minnesotans are feeling optimistic, but COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the state. Vaccinations are going into arms, and Easter is this Sunday. What does it all mean for this weekend's holiday?

On Monday, Rochelle Walensky, the Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention pleaded with Americans to continue to practice masking & social distancing as she said she fears that as close as we are to defeating the pandemic -- that we're also precariously close to sliding back into a fourth case surge across the country.  31 states are currently reporting increases.

OK, but what about Easter? What if I've been vaccinated? What is recommended for this Sunday?

According to the CDC, at this time attending gatherings to observe religious and spiritual holidays still  increases your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. The safest way to observe religious and spiritual holidays this year is to gather virtually, with people who live with you, or outdoors and at least 6 feet apart from others.

• Enjoy traditional meals with those who live with you.
• Practice religious holiday customs at home.
• Prepare and deliver a meal to a neighbor.
• Watch virtual religious and cultural performances.
• Attend religious ceremonies virtually.

What about Easter travel?

Travel may increase your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19. CDC continues to recommend postponing travel and staying home, as this is the best way to protect yourself and others this year. If you are considering traveling for a holiday, visit the CDC’s Travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family.

What about those of us who have been vaccinated?

First of all, you're considered fully vaccinated two week's after your single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or your second dose of either the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

So it's been two weeks. Here's what the CDC has to say:

• You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask.
• You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.

Stay safe. Stay healthy, Happy Easter!