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US Considers Giving Fully Vaccinated People More Freedom In Effort to Encourage More COVID-19 Vaccinations

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- If you are desperate to travel this summer, you may be in luck. New guidelines for mask-wearing and also relaxed travel restrictions are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Health officials say if you want to go on a vacation, get a vaccination.

As more people are getting vaccinated, some are planning post-vaccination trips, like this couple flying from Philadelphia international to Aruba.

"We're vaccinated and we haven't been able to take a vacation in a year and a half. We usually take a vacation twice a year. So this is exciting," traveler Becky Owens said.

International travel is one of a few freedoms top U.S. health officials are touting for those who are fully protected.

"Whether it's traveling to Europe or whether it's just seeing your family and friends without having to worry, vaccinations are key," White House Senior Advisor for COVID-19 Response Andy Slavitt said.

Other vaccination incentives may soon follow. The CDC is expected to come out with updated guidelines for the fully vaccinated, specifically when it comes to wearing masks outdoors.

"So, stay tuned. It's coming soon," U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Dr. Anthony Fauci said.

But even as airline travel begins to rebound, business for RV dealers also remains strong.

"Sales are up 300-400% from what they normally are," Dylan's RV Center General Manager David Pancrazio said.

The general manager of Dylan's RV Center in Sewell, Gloucester County says the company normally has 80 or so RV's on their lot. Now it has five due to high demand -- demand that's expected to continue as some people still remain cautious about flying.

"People are finding themselves feeling safer in an RV because it's self-contained. It's their own bed, their own food, their own kitchen," Pancrazio said. "So they feel more comfortable traveling now and taking a vacation this way versus an airplane or, obviously, a cruise ship."

As of this weekend, just over 40% of eligible people 16 years and older in Philly have received at least one dose. About 26% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated. Those numbers are according to the Philadelphia Health Department.

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