Thread by @MaddowBlog

That was a really helpful, useful interview Rachel did with @CDCDirector tonight. You can watch the whole thing here: on.msnbc.com/2QkKYcu

But also, for ease of consumption and sharing, we're going to post it in pieces in a thread below.

(text for reference, not verbatim)

Maddow: How sure are you about this new guidance?

CDC Director Dr. Walensky: We're sure.

Maddow: Is it safe for a vaccinated person to sit indoors unmasked at work next to a maskless unvaccinated person?

CDC Director Dr. Walensky: Safe for the vaccinated person. Not safe for the unvaccinated person.

Maddow: Is any particular vaccine notably better about stopping breakthrough infections?

CDC Director Dr. Walensky: Studies are ongoing but they all do what they were supposed to do.

Maddow: Under what circumstances should we still get tested?

CDC Director Dr. Walensky: Fully vaccinated people should get tested if they have symptoms.

Maddow: Why is there an exception for transit?

CDC Director Dr. Walensky: Travel policy is a separate thing that involves other agencies, so changes will come after collaboration with other agencies.

Maddow: What about kids under 12 who can't get vaccinated yet?

CDC Director Dr. Walensky: We have to treat them as unvaccinated. Same mitigation strategies apply.

Maddow: Be patient and compassionate with each other as we deal with another period of change.