Everyone Can Go Maskless Outside In RI, Regardless Of Vax Status

PROVIDENCE, RI — Everyone can go without a mask outside in Rhode Island, Gov. Dan McKee announced Tuesday. The decision follows the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The new guidance takes effect Wednesday. Although unvaccinated people are no longer required to wear a mask while outside, the Rhode Island Department of Health encouraged them to still do so when in crowded outdoor settings, or in situations with close contact with other people for more than 15 minutes.

Under the new rules, masks will no longer be required at live performances, youth sports and summer camps, provided they are outdoors. As was the case for the changed mask guidance on May 21, individual businesses and organizations have the right to request that people wear a mask on their premises.

The CDC announced the new mask-wearing guidance Friday. When it comes to COVID-19 transmission, the organization has four categories of indicators and thresholds for community transmission: low, moderate, substantial and high risk. The CDC strongly encouraged that all unvaccinated people continue to wear a mask in substantial and high-risk situations.

According to RIDOH, Rhode Island was categorized as moderate risk as of last week, with 41 cases per 100,000 people, on average, and a weekly percent positivity rate of 1.3 percent.

Indoor masking guidance remains the same in Rhode Island at this time, which includes schools. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a mask in all indoor, public settings.