Being fully vaccinated is not a free pass to party on in the summer of 2021

So, it's the summer of 2021 and you're finally, fully vaccinated. Well, just take me out to the ball game then. 

Not so fast Dad!

Public Health Agency Canada (PHAC) has just released a new infographic that outlines advice and guidance for how people should conduct themselves, now that they have received their first or second doses of COVID-19 vaccines. 

In general, it says be careful, especially in indoor settings where you don't know everyone.  Also, in general, it favours those who are fully vaccinated.

Right off the top, the PHAC document makes it clear that people need to follow the advice of the public health agency in their own community. 

"By getting vaccinated, you benefit from the protection you get against COVID-19 and the easing of restrictive measures in your community. You still need to follow local public health advice in public settings (e.g. workplaces, public transit). Their advice considers community risk levels," said the PHAC poster. 

Just on time, Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) published a weekly update on Thursday, June 24 with a reminder that vaccinated residents need to Stay COVID Safe, with a list of dos and don'ts for those who are fully vaccinated.

"Planning a visit to see your loved ones living in long-term care? Fully vaccinated residents can accompany you on an outing and you will be able to offer a brief hug. Tips for a COVID-safe visit (Government of Ontario) include practising good hand hygiene, distancing, and appropriate masking," said the PHSD document. 

PHSD also promotes the idea of being fully vaccinated because of the new variant strains of COVID-19.

"With the COVID-19 Delta variant spreading throughout Ontario, it is more important than ever to complete the vaccine series and boost your immune response," said PHSD.

The Sudbury health unit has also published a comprehensive 10-point list of things to do to continue to be COVID safe during the summer.

Along with that, the PHAC poster presents several scenarios on how to deal with social gatherings, such as a small family outdoor barbecue at the lake with family members and friends sitting around. 

Under the heading, You are Not Vaccinated / or just Partially Vaccinated, the guidance said "No mask or physical distancing is necessary if everyone is comfortable with that."

Under the heading, You are Fully Vaccinated, the guidance was the same, "No mask or physical distancing is necessary."

Indoors, however, the guidance changes. For those who are not fully vaccinated, it is okay to remove your mask only if people are comfortable, or if you're with others who are fully vaccinated and if there is no one at risk of other diseases.

Indoors, if all the folks are fully vaccinated, then it is no worries. "No mask or physical distancing is necessary."

The guidance poster continues. If you're outdoors with a group whose vaccination status you don't know, such as at a wedding or birthday event, PHAC recommends wearing a mask if you cannot be physically distant from the others. If you're with a group that is fully vaccinated, no mask or distancing is necessary, said PHAC.

It is not all a wide open summer just yet either.

The PHAC document said, even if you are fully vaccinated, take the masking and distance precautions seriously if you find yourself in an indoors or outdoors situation with a large crowd. It also recommended keeping nearby windows and doors open if possible. 

Len Gillis is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter at Sudbury.com. He covers health care in Northern Ontario.