CDC considers revising guidelines on outdoor mask usage during pandemic

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that it may reconsider its guidance on wearing face coverings outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

News 12 Staff

Apr 23, 2021, 5:42 PM

Updated 1,460 days ago

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that it may reconsider its guidance on wearing face coverings outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The consideration comes now that millions of Americans are vaccinated against the virus. Some health experts are encouraging the move.
“We at some point will be able to abandon outdoor masks with official guidance. I’d argue we should start doing that now,” says Dr. Lucy McBride. “The risk of transmitting virus through someone else outside is extraordinary – it’s tiny.”
Hoboken residents who spoke with News 12 New Jersey had mixed feelings about the news. There are signs up all over Hoboken telling people to wear masks inside outdoor parks.
“To me, it makes common sense if you’ve done and taken all the precautions, there’s a time you should feel more relaxed about it,” says Dale Fior.
“I think it’s still important to keep a peace of mind for others as well. Being really aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings,” says Elizabeth Banas.
The Biden administration reports that half of all American adults have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. But many say that they won’t feel comfortable taking off their masks until that number is higher.
Others say that if the CDC is relaxing its guidance – Americans can take off the masks.
“I definitely think we should follow guidelines. But outdoors, there’s more free air,” says Andrew Kenney.
Gov. Phil Murphy says that he isn’t ready to change New Jersey’s mask guidance, but he says that he hopes to be able to do so soon.
The CDC currently says that anyone outside by themselves or with family does not need to wear a mask.