COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has released a statement agreeing with the new mask guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which largely say people who are fully vaccinated can stop wearing face coverings.
Director of DHEC, Dr. Edward Simmer, released the following statement in regards to the new guidelines:
“DHEC has reviewed the science behind the CDC’s recent mask guidelines, and we concur. South Carolinians who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear masks indoors or outdoors with a few exceptions."
DHEC says that people should follow the new guidelines, including even those who are fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks in schools, healthcare facilities, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and on commercial transportation.
In accordance with the guidelines, DHEC says those who are not fully vaccinated should continues to wear masks, socially distance and take all other needed precautions. This group includes children.
Because of the effectiveness of the vaccine, spread is very low and masks are not needed, according to DHEC.
At the beginning of the week, SC Gov. McMaster ended mask mandates in state schools and cities. In this order he also outlawed the use of 'vaccine passports.'
DHEC is asking South Carolinians to use the 'honor system' about their vaccination status. According to health guidance, being fully vaccinated means that the individual has received both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or a single dose of the Jansen vaccine, plus two weeks.
In Friday's statement, Dr. Simmer recognizes partners "including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and the many community organizations without which we would not be at this point." He also thanked South Carolinians for their commitment to protecting themselves and others.
Though more than 1.4 million in the state have been vaccinated, DHEC says more work needs to be done.
DHEC also recognizes that some people are not ready to take of their masks just yet, and encourages anyone who would like to continue wearing it to do so.