Click the image to see the graphic from the CDC website
 

As you have likely already heard, the CDC has overhauled its guidelines for those who are fully vaccinated. It said yesterday that fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks in most settings, including crowded indoor gatherings. Find the CDC updated guidance here

 
Those who are fully vaccinated, according to CDC, are at virtually no risk of serious disease for themselves and are at very low risk of spreading the virus to others.
 
We want to respond to this encouraging news first by saying: Thank you! 
 
Thank you to all of you who are fully vaccinated or are getting your vaccines. Thank you to all of you who are encouraging or facilitating members of your communities to get vaccinated as well – and we urge you to continue those vital efforts. 
 
The vaccine is our best protection against the virus for ourselves. It is also the best way to protect our communities – locally and globally. 
 
We have emphasized from the start that our churches should follow the guidance of the CDC and your local authorities, and we reiterate that here. It is expected that states will respond to this news with revised guidelines, and all of us should continue to keep abreast of updates and follow that guidance.
 
Life is starting to return to normal, and that is an enormous relief to all of us. We should note, however, that the COVID risks will never fall to zero. 
 
Some people, as Dr. Ted Marcy pointed out in our May 10 webinar, have lower tolerance for risk than others. Some of us cannot or will not get vaccinated (and should continue to wear masks and physically distance). It’s important that we remember that, and, as communities of faith consider how we will respond compassionately to that reality.
 
This information, along with links to the CDC info and links to state websites can be found on our re-entry page.
 
Your hard work and sacrifice during this pandemic have made a difference, and we know you will continue to serve in that faithful spirit. Thank you.

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. — Psalm 9:1

New England Conference Re-Entry Team 
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar 
Beth DiCocco
Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Rev. Taesung Kang 
Rev. Karen Munson
Rev. Erica Robinson-Johnson
Norm Thombs