CDC updates mask guidance for the outdoors

With temperatures on the rise and the desire to be outdoors increasing, the question about what’s needed to keep safe remains. To provide some answers the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated their guidelines for fully vaccinated people, which includes a number of changes for when wearing a mask is advised.¹

Regardless of vaccination status, masks are no longer needed for walks, runs, and bikes outdoors with members of the household or when attending a small outdoor gathering where all other guests are fully vaccinated. For unvaccinated people, masks are still recommended for small outdoor gatherings with a mix of vaccination statuses, although the events are seen as safe with mask wearing. Other outdoor activities are less safe and still require mask wearing for unvaccinated people. For those who are fully vaccinated, only attending a crowded outdoor event such as sports events or concerts require a mask. Additionally, all indoor activities have been deemed as mostly safe for fully vaccinated people as long as a mask is worn.

In addition to being able to have small indoor gatherings without masks or social distancing with other fully vaccinated individuals, people can also now:

• Go back to domestic travel, without needing to test before and after travel as well as self-quarantine after returning
• Travel internationally without testing beforehand, unless the destination requires it, and do not need to self-quarantine upon return

Reference

1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people. Updated April 27, 2021. Accessed April 27, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html