Dr. Fauci has a clear message: ‘If you’re vaccinated and you’re outside, put aside your mask’

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently told CBS “This Morning” that people who have been fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus don’t need to wear masks outside anymore.

“We’ve got to make that transition,” Fauci said. “If you are vaccinated, you don’t have to wear a mask outside. It would be a very unusual situation, if you were going into a completely crowded situation where people are essentially falling all over each other, then you wear a mask. But any other time, if you’re vaccinated and you’re outside, put aside your mask. You don’t have to wear it.” 

What does the CDC say about masks outdoors?

Fauci’s comments emulate what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already said about the novel coronavirus pandemic. In April, the CDC released new guidance for fully vaccinated Americans, saying they can spend time outside without masks on. Many people were already embracing this idea during the coronavirus pandemic as data was scarce about the widespread outdoor transmission of the novel coronavirus.

The CDC said unvaccinated people “may go without masks when walking, jogging or biking outdoors with household members,” per The Washington Post.

However, the CDC does advise people wear masks outdoors at sporting events and live shows — basically, anywhere there might be a crowd, according to The Washington Post. 

And the CDC does not recommend spending time indoors without masks, though. Going to the movies, hair salons, barber shops and houses of worship still require masks, Axios reports.