Today’s announcement by the CDC stated that individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can forego wearing masks in a variety of situations, including:
- Walking, running, hiking or biking outdoors alone or with members of their household
- Attending small outdoor gatherings with fully vaccinated family and friends
- Attending small outdoor gatherings with a mixture of fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people
- Dining at outdoor restaurants with friends from multiple households.,
However, this announcement still carries the caveat that even fully vaccinated people should remain masked when attending “a crowded, outdoor event, like a live performance, parade, or sports event.”
Local organizations are already considering the possibility of adjusting their own mask requirements. Now, don’t wave bye-bye to your collection of facial fashions. But it wouldn’t be surprising to see open-air venues announcing plans to make masks optional.
If the announcement is made, remember that the operative word in this scenario is “optional.” The translation is: use your own good sense.