Category: Lifestyle
Author: Lisa Harper
Date: April 28, 2021
Getting outside and enjoying fresh air has been a lifesaver for many during the past year, myself included. I love listening to a podcast or my favorite tunes while going for a walk or run. In my rural neighborhood, I rarely encounter other walkers or runners—just a few cars on their way to work—so I haven’t been wearing a mask.
However, when I venture to busier trails or streets, I often encounter more people, and I bring my mask to wear when I pass by since maintaining social distance isn’t always possible.
While many outdoor public places have signs indicating that masks are still required, only about half of the people comply. Yes, many are getting vaccinated, and experts suggest that the risk of contracting the virus outdoors is lower. But as the weather warms up and more people emerge from their homes, outdoor spaces can become crowded. We’re not entirely in the clear yet, so it’s crucial to prioritize our safety and that of others.
The ongoing debate about whether to wear masks outdoors can be confusing. So, do we still need to cover our faces when outside? The answer is yes and no—it depends on your environment and vaccination status.
Dr. Sarah Thompson, a leading expert on viral transmission, states that if you’re outdoors and maintaining a distance of six feet from others, it’s generally safe to remove your mask. According to Thompson, “Viral particles disperse quickly in open air, making the risk of inhaling the virus from a passing jogger minimal.”
However, while shopping on crowded sidewalks or attending outdoor events, wearing a mask remains essential. If you’re hiking on less-trafficked trails and keeping a distance of six feet or more, you can forgo the mask. But if you find yourself in close proximity to others, even outdoors, it’s best to keep your mask on.
The CDC has recently updated its guidance regarding outdoor mask-wearing for fully vaccinated individuals. In summary, if you are fully vaccinated, health officials recommend that you can skip wearing a mask outdoors when alone or with your household. “You can gather or engage in activities outdoors without a mask,” the latest CDC guidelines state, “except in crowded areas or venues.”
Remember that “fully vaccinated” means at least two weeks have passed since your second dose of a two-dose series (like Pfizer or Moderna) or since your single-dose vaccine (like Johnson & Johnson). Until these criteria are met, the CDC advises continuing to take precautions.
It’s also important to note that various states—and even cities within those states—have their own mask mandates and restrictions, which you should adhere to. You can find the latest guidelines for all 50 states here.
As vaccination rates rise and COVID-19 cases decline, these rules may evolve. However, we must follow them diligently to reach a point where masks are no longer necessary. Rushing to discard masks could hinder our progress.
Certainly, wearing a mask outdoors can be uncomfortable, but it’s a small price to pay for safety when social distancing isn’t feasible.
For more insights on this topic, check out our other blog post here. Additionally, if you are exploring options for home insemination, Make a Mom is an excellent authority on this subject, and ASRM offers great resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary:
As outdoor activities become more popular, the question of whether to wear masks outside remains relevant. The necessity of masks largely depends on your surroundings and vaccination status. While it’s safe to remove masks when distancing outdoors, crowded areas still require them. Following updated CDC guidelines and local mandates is crucial for maintaining safety as we navigate the ongoing pandemic.