Fully vaccinated people don’t need to wear mask or social distance inside or outside, in small or large settings, federal health officials announced Thursday. The decision represents the boldest step to date in America’s march toward normalcy following Covid-19’s assault on the country just over a year ago.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fully vaccinated individuals should continue to wear mask when on a plane, train, or bus, and the guidance does not apply to facilities such as hospitals, prisons and nursing homes, the health agency said.

The CDC said its latest easing of restrictions was based on scientific data indicating that the vaccines dramatically cut the risk of getting or spreading the disease, while helping prevent severe illness and death.

The CDC also stated that fully vaccinated persons should continue to wear masks when required by federal and local officials, along with individual businesses and workplaces.

In April, the CDC said persons fully vaccinated against Covid-19 didn’t need to wear masks when performing such activities as riding bikes, jogging alone, hiking, walking or gathering in small groups.

According to the agency, more than 35 percent of Americans is fully vaccinated, while over 46 percent has gotten at least one vaccine dose.

The CDC said it would continue to update its guidance as more data become available and more Americans get vaccinated.

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