On Thursday, May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an update to its face coverings and social distancing guidelines. if you’ve been fully vaccinated, these changes included, :

• You can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.
• You can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
• You will still need to follow guidance at your workplace and local businesses.
• If you travel, you should still take steps to protect yourself and others. You will still be required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Fully vaccinated international travelers arriving in the United States are still required to get tested within 3 days of their flight (or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months) and should still get tested 3-5 days after their trip.
• You should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.
• People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken the immune system, should talk to their healthcare provider to discuss their activities. They may need to keep taking all precautions to prevent COVID-19.

At today’s (May 14) CROA Board Workshop, the Board endorsed following the updated recommendations of the CDC, as they have throughout the past 14 months.

While continued mask usage is encouraged, face coverings will not be required at indoor/outdoor events or at CROA facilities. Mask dispensers, as well as hand sanitizing stations, will continue to be made available, particularly at events such as Food Truck Friday and the Farmers Market.

In addition, the Board voted to approve reopening swimming pools to full capacity, which includes making the full allotment of pool furniture available for use. The gym located at Spring Lake will no longer require reservations prior to visiting and its operating hours have been extended to 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccines, as they are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death and the COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of people spreading COVID-19.

As always, please continue proper health and safety practices.