This week, the Centers for Disease Control changed their recommendations on wearing masks indoors. If you're fully vaccinated, you don't need to wear one.

Thursday (5/13/21), the CDC loosened mask requirements for anyone who has been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. If you're vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a mask indoors, There are still a few places where it is very recommended:

Places you still need to wear your mask

  • Buses
  • Planes
  • Trains
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes and other healthcare-related settings
  • Prisons
  • Homeless shelters

In the statement released today, the CDC said,

"The science is clear: If you are fully vaccinated, you are protected, and you can start doing the things that you stopped doing because of the pandemic."

Major U.S retailers began releasing statements as to whether they would be loosening their mask requirements for shopper.

In Rockford, 3 major retailers announced that they would be following the CDC's lead and removing their mask requirements

Walmart/Sam's Club

“Vaccinated customers and members are welcome to shop without a mask, and we will continue to request that non-vaccinated customers and members wear face coverings in our stores and clubs."

Employees who are fully vaccinated will be able to stop wearing masks, also. Employees of the stores will also get a $75 bonus for getting vaccinated.

Costco

"In Costco, we will allow members and guests who are fully vaccinated to enter Costco without a face mask or face shield. We will not require proof of vaccination, but we ask for members’ responsible and respectful cooperation with this revised policy."

At the time of this writing, Home Depot, Walgreen's, Target and JCPenny, have all announced that they will continue requiring all customers to wear a mask.

[H/T MyStateline.com]

LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.

Steve Shannon is host of The Steve Shannon Show on 97ZOK. On the air weekday mornings from 6 to 10 a.m. and a special 'Rewind' show, featuring favorite moments from previous shows, on Saturday mornings from 5 to 7 a.m.. Follow him on TwitterInstagram, and like his page on Facebook.

More From Rockford's New Country Q98.5