NEWS: President Biden Expected to Announce New Outdoor Face Mask CDC Guidelines

The use of face masks has been a common non-pharmaceutical intervention in preventing the spread of COVID-19, both in public spaces as well as on private property.

Orange Bird face mask

CDC data shows that over 42% of eligible Americans have received at least one vaccine dose, and 28.5% of eligible Americans have been fully vaccinated. In response to these growing numbers, the CDC is preparing to re-evaluate their current health and safety recommendations.

According to CNBC, President Biden is expected to announce an update to the “federal public health guidance on wearing masks outdoors” as early as this Tuesday, April 27th.

Health and safety signage in Disney Springs

The CDC is expected to include updated guidance for individuals who have received the COVID-19 vaccine as well as guidance for individuals who have not received the vaccine. Currently, the CDC’s guidance on face mask wearing states that “masks may not be necessary when you are outside by yourself away from others, or with people who live in your household.”

Christmas face masks

While White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci noted that the risk of infection is “really low, especially if you’re vaccinated,” he also urged Americans to remain vigilant and to check on any local face mask mandates when traveling.

Festival of the Arts Mask

It will still be up to states, local government agencies, and private companies to determine what their individual face mask guidelines will be based on the CDC’s recommendations. So, even if the CDC were to update and perhaps loosen their guidelines on outdoor face mask usage, we may still see places like Disney World and Disneyland keep their current policies in place for the time being.