The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Tuesday that those who have received at least one dose of the vaccine, or the single dose of Johnson & Johnson, don’t have to wear masks while outside anymore, unless in a large crowd of those not in your household.

“Today, I hope, is a day when we can take another step back to the normalcy of before,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. “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.”

COVID-19 has killed more than 570,000 people in the U.S., but since the vaccine rollout, about 140 million have received at least one dose of the vaccine, the Associated Press reported.

This large number of vaccinated Americans helped drive this decision, as well as a decline in those infected. Walensky also explained that less than 10% of transmission happened while outdoors.

Whether those vaccinated are walking, biking, running or at small gatherings with other vaccinated people, no masks need to be worn.

“It’s the return of freedom,” said Dr. Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “It’s the return of us being able to do normal activities again. We’re not there yet, but we’re on the exit ramp. And that’s a beautiful thing.”

For those not vaccinated yet, it’s still recommended that they should continue wearing masks at small gatherings outdoors or dining at an outdoor restaurant.

While experts say outdoors are much less risky for spreading the virus, low risk doesn't mean no risk
While experts say outdoors are much less risky for spreading the virus, low risk doesn't mean no risk AFP / JACK GUEZ
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