A Close-up of an Especially Spring Like Face Mask. The Wearer Said Recently: “It’s Vital For Everyone to Wear Face Masks in Order to Combat The COVID-19 ASAP.  Get Vaccinated When Offered the Opportunity as Well.”

The University of Maine System announced this morning that it is exempting fully vaccinated, asymptomatic individuals from quarantine requirements if they come into close contact with someone known to have COVID-19.  An individual is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving a J&J shot or 14 days after their second Pfizer or Moderna shot.

The change in policy follows consultation with state public health officials.  Maine CDC’s Dr. Shah shares that vaccinated individuals are no longer required to quarantine as part of a message encouraging vaccination in a “This is Our Shot, Maine” video produced by the University of Southern Maine.

“We are adding one more reason to the list of why it is smart to protect yourself, your family and our community through vaccination,” said Chancellor Daniel Malloy.  “Fully vaccinated students, faculty and staff who come in contact with someone with COVID-19 do not have to quarantine and interrupt day-to-day activities.  It’s an important step in our march to normalcy.”

The University of Maine is surveying students, faculty and staff to assess vaccination plans and determine how best to provide information and educational materials to members of the community.  Nearly 3/4 of the 4,200 respondents to the survey have been or plan to get vaccinated including 75% of responding University of Maine students.

“This is our shot to help end the pandemic and we are proud of how our community is responding,” said President Ferrini-Mundy.  “An exemption from quarantine after complete vaccination is another strong incentive to get vaccinated as we monitor developments with the vaccines and develop our plans for the fall.”