The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just released new guidelines for mask usage and is now saying it is safe for fully vaccinated individuals to go without a mask in outdoor settings. The guidance also says that those who are fully vaccinated can safely hold small, outdoor gatherings without masks.
Individuals are considered fully vaccinated if two weeks have passed since their second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or their single shot of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
Mask usage is not necessary at these outdoor events even if all those present are not fully vaccinated. However, if the mix of unvaccinated individuals are from different households, then the CDC is recommending mask use by the unvaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated individuals are safe to go maskless at these settings if the other participants are fully vaccinated family and friends.
The guidance for maskless activities include exercising outdoors and dining outdoors with members from other households. The CDC, however, is still recommending masks if outdoor settings are crowded, such as at packed stadiums and concerts.
For indoor settings, the CDC is still recommending for mask use by both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
