On May 13, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued recommendations on how those that are fully vaccinated can protect themselves and others. According to the CDC, fully vaccinated individuals can resume activities without wearing a face mask or physically distancing, except when required by law or regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. The CDC considers individuals fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

Governor Abbott’s executive order reopening Texas remains in effect (GA-34). TDA spoke with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) on May 13, 2021, and the dental board’s COVID-19 emergency rule also remains in effect. The TSBDE plans no changes to the emergency rule before it expires on June 18, 2021, unless directed to do so by the Governor’s office. The dental board will reconvene on June 18, 2021, and may decide to extend the rule for an additional 60 days if Governor Abbott continues renewing the COVID-19 disaster declaration.