CDC Advises People Can Be Mask-Free Outdoors With Some Exceptions

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

April 27th, 2021 2:56 PM

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new mask guidelines today (April 27) saying those who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask outdoors unless they are in a large crowd of people.

The new guidelines on CDC.gov indicate that fully vaccinated people can safely do the following activities without wearing a mask:

-Walk, run, or bike outdoors with members of your household.
-Attend a small outdoor gathering with fully vaccinated family and friends.
-Attend a small outdoor gathering with fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
-Dine at an outdoor restaurant with friends from multiple households.

The CDC also notes that unvaccinated people can safely participate in the first two activities listed above, but they still advise those unvaccinated people still wear a mask for the remaining activities. The CDC also notes that unvaccinated people who dine at an outdoor restaurant with friends from multiple households is considered a “less safe” activity.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement, “Today, I hope, is a day when we can take another step back to the normalcy of before. Over the past year, we have spent a lot of time telling Americans what you can’t do. Today, I am going to tell you some of the things you can do, if you are fully vaccinated.”

President Joe Biden said in a statement, “Because of the extraordinary progress we’ve made in the fight against COVID-19, the CDC made a big announcement today: If you are fully vaccinated — and if you are outdoors and not in a large crowd — you no longer need to wear a mask. Yes, the vaccines are about saving your life and the lives of the people around you. But they are also about helping you get back to normal living. Go get the shot — it’s never been easier.”

President Biden’s full remarks can be viewed below.

8 Changes Likely to be Made at Concerts During COVID-19

• No Moshing/Crowd Surfing.

  Share

  Per the Event Safty Alliance's (ESA) 'Reopening Guide for Event Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic,' "Patrons cannot all stand at the front of the stage like they are accustomed; moshing and crowd surfing are violations of social distancing per se and must be absolutely prohibited during this pandemic."

• No Merch Tables/Stands.

  Share

  Instead of buying an artist's t-shirt at a merch stand/booth, it's recommended that "...items for sale can be posted on a web site or event app that allows for mobile ordering and on-site pickup." If there is a merch table/booth present, "Mark merchandise sales lines on floor, with barricade, or rope and stanchion, patrolled by guest services workers to provide information and enforce social distancing." It's also recommended there be no trying on of merch and to have contactless payment.

• Socially-Distanced Smoking Areas.

  Share

  It's recommended that "... even hallways and smoking areas where patrons congregate will have to be monitored to enforce health policies."
• Restrooms will likely have strict person limits.

  Share

  Per the ESA's guide, "Workers should limit occupancy of restrooms to ensure social distancing. Unless portable restroom facilities are added, this will likely result in patrons waiting outside the restroom doors. The area where they are waiting will require monitoring to preserve (a) appropriate space between patrons and (b) an easily discernible line to avoid conflict about where the line begins. 

• Any changes a venue makes needs to be very visible to the public.

  Share

  If a venue makes any changes to policies related to how they handle health and safety issues, they are advised to make them as clear as possible and list them basically everywhere including on their website, social media channels, various ticket purchasing sites, emails/push notifications, their mobile app and signage in their venue. In other words: Get ready for A LOT of updates.

• If there’s an intermission, people won’t be dismissed all at once.

  Share

  Per the ESA's guide, "Intermission presents the same social distancing challenges as ingress [entering a venue] and egress [exiting a venue], with the distinction that some patrons will remain seated. For everyone who chooses to get up, they will have to be led out from back to front, and patrons will not be allowed to congregate inside or outside restrooms or near lobby concession stands. Even with fewer people attending events during the early phase of reopening, intermission may have to be longer than before to allow time for socially distanced patron movement. Given these issues, including how to let some people out of a row while others remain seated, the path of least resistance may simply be shorter shows with no intermission."
• Getting a drink will be even more of a process.

  Share

  In addition to there being a recommended worker for just ringing up drink orders, "At a self-service restaurant or concession stand, the number of counter staff should be limited consistent with social distancing. Workers should place food and beverages on the table, counter, or other surface rather than handing purchases directly to patrons...Bartenders should model safe behavior by wearing a face covering and gloves when they are behind the bar...Patrons should hold their own identification for bartender inspection. If a worker must handle a patron’s ID, the worker should then dispose of their gloves and wash their hands before resuming service."

• Musicians on stage may have to abide by social distancing rules.

  Share

  Per the ESA's guide, "The authoritative guidance requiring not less than six feet (two meters) of social distance may have to be expanded for singers and musical instrument players. Musicians often breathe deeply and expel aerosols further than people engaged in non-physical activities. Their performance space, including on stage and in orchestra pits, should be arranged to maximize social distancing while allowing at least some of them to perform together."  

Sign Up For The 94.7 WCSX Classic Rock Insider Newsletter

Get the latest Classic Rock and local stories you need to know about, plus exclusive contests, games, and more!

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

Category:

• Coronavirus
• WCSX

Tags:

CDC,Coronavirus,masks