Many White House staffers and reporters were able to shed their masks Thursday after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance saying vaccinated individuals did not need to wear face coverings, with few exceptions.
The White House informed staff that those who were fully vaccinated — meaning they are 14 days clear of their last dose of the vaccine — no longer were required to wear masks while on campus. And the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) informed its members that masks were no longer necessary for reporters working at the complex.
"Effective immediately, pursuant to the new CDC guidance, mask-wearing requirements are lifted at the White House complex for those who are 14 days after their last required dose of one of the COVID-19 shots," WHCA President Zeke Miller said in an email to members.
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The new guidance came roughly one year after White House reporters began wearing face coverings during press briefings. Biden administration officials have been wearing masks since taking office in January as the president and his staff hewed closely to CDC guidelines.
The change in approach was immediately visible at the White House.
"Just ran into @MGwin46 in the hall, both of us sans mask for the first time in the building — what a treat!!" tweeted Peter Velz, a press aide for Vice President Harris.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito
Shelley Wellons Moore CapitoEPA water nominee commits to 'enduring solutions' in confirmation hearing Biden meets for first time with 'Big Four' congressional leaders The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Cheney poised to be ousted; Biden to host big meeting MORE (R-W.Va.) told reporters that she and other Republican senators removed their masks during a meeting with President Biden
Joe BidenBiden says Beau's assessment of first 100 days would be 'Be who you are' Biden: McCarthy's support of Cheney ouster is 'above my pay grade' Conservative group sues over prioritization of women, minorities for restaurant aid MORE once the CDC guidance was made official. Biden removed his mask, too, she said.
First lady Jill Biden
Jill BidenJennifer Garner to travel to West Virginia with Jill Biden Biden honors his mom on Mother's day: 'She was the quintessential lady' Jill Biden commends moms on Mother's Day for being 'strong and resilient' amid pandemic MORE, visiting West Virginia to promote the administration's American Jobs Plan, took off her mask upon landing in the state.
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“We feel naked,” the first lady told reporters, adding: "I didn’t mean it that way!"
On Capitol Hill, Republicans rejoiced at the updated guidance.
“Free at last,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellBiden says Beau's assessment of first 100 days would be 'Be who you are' McConnell says he's 'great admirer' of Liz Cheney but mum on her removal McConnell: 'Good chance' of deal with Biden on infrastructure MORE (R-Ky.) told reporters as he walked out of the chamber without a mask.
Sens. Susan Collins
Susan Margaret CollinsThe Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Cheney poised to be ousted; Biden to host big meeting Senate votes to repeal OCC 'true lender' rule Top female GOP senator compares Cheney ousting to 'cancel culture' MORE (R-Maine) and Joni Ernst
Joni Kay ErnstGraham warns about trying to 'drive' Trump from GOP: 'Half the people will leave' The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Senate braces for daylong brawl on elections bill Top female GOP senator compares Cheney ousting to 'cancel culture' MORE (R-Iowa) removed their masks and yelled "freedom" in celebration of the news.
But changes were not expected to fully take hold on Capitol Hill despite the CDC's new recommendations.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) was still wearing a mask Thursday afternoon, and several House members were still sporting face coverings.
There was not expected to be an imminent change to House rules that require masks for lawmakers inside the Capitol complex.
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