CDC Advises People Can Be Mask-Free Outdoors With Some Exceptions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new mask guidelines today (April 27) saying those who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask outdoors unless they are in a large crowd of people.

The new guidelines on CDC.gov indicate that fully vaccinated people can safely do the following activities without wearing a mask:

-Walk, run, or bike outdoors with members of your household.
-Attend a small outdoor gathering with fully vaccinated family and friends.
-Attend a small outdoor gathering with fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
-Dine at an outdoor restaurant with friends from multiple households.

The CDC also notes that unvaccinated people can safely participate in the first two activities listed above, but they still advise those unvaccinated people still wear a mask for the remaining activities. The CDC also notes that unvaccinated people who dine at an outdoor restaurant with friends from multiple households is considered a "less safe" activity.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement, "Today, I hope, is a day when we can take another step back to the normalcy of before. Over the past year, we have spent a lot of time telling Americans what you can’t do. Today, I am going to tell you some of the things you can do, if you are fully vaccinated."

President Joe Biden said in a statement, "Because of the extraordinary progress we’ve made in the fight against COVID-19, the CDC made a big announcement today: If you are fully vaccinated — and if you are outdoors and not in a large crowd — you no longer need to wear a mask. Yes, the vaccines are about saving your life and the lives of the people around you. But they are also about helping you get back to normal living. Go get the shot — it’s never been easier."

President Biden's full remarks can be viewed below.