CDC Issues New Guidance for Mask Use Outdoors

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new mask guidance for fully vaccinated people stating they can gather or conduct activities outdoors without wearing a mask except in certain crowded settings and venues.

“There are many situations where fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask, particularly if they are outdoors,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said during a virtual White House briefing on Tuesday.

“If you are fully vaccinated and want to attend a small outdoor gathering with people who are vaccinated and unvaccinated or dine at an outdoor restaurant with friends from multiple households, the science shows if you are vaccinated, you can do so safely unmasked,” Walensky continued.

The CDC has posted on its website examples of numerous outdoor activities that are safe to do without a mask if you are fully vaccinated. However, it did not include examples of outdoor job-related activities, such as landscaping or exterior maintenance.

The CDC continues to advise both vaccinated and unvaccinated people to wear masks in indoor public spaces.

Along with the new mask guidance, the CDC said fully vaccinated workers no longer need to be restricted from work following an exposure to the coronavirus as long as they are asymptomatic.

For more information on the updated guidance for fully vaccinated people, visit cdc.gov.