As Chattanooga pivots toward a more normal world following the pandemic, local tourist attractions are dropping mask mandates and more office workers are returning to their old work sites.
The Tennessee Aquarium began admitting vaccinated guests without masks for the first time Tuesday at both the aquarium and Imax Theater. Similarly, the Lookout Mountain attractions at Ruby Falls and Rock City both said they began advising visitors Tuesday that there is no need to wear a mask during tours if they have had the COVID-19 vaccine.
The shift comes as EPB on Tuesday brought back to its offices and work sites nearly all of its staff that has been working remotely during the pandemic.
The moves toward more normal operations follow the guidance issued last month by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that fully vaccinated guests no longer need to wear masks either outdoors or indoors. According to the CDC, an individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two weeks after a single- dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
None of the businesses changing their policy said they would require visitors or workers to show proof of their vaccinations, but they are continuing to urge those who are not vaccinated for the coronavirus to wear masks. The local businesses and attractions also have not lifted all of their restrictions even for those who are vaccinated.