COVID-19 mask mandates and recommendations seem to be changing often these days.

But one area of masking has remained steadfast for some time. Many people have ditched masking outdoors, even at crowded outdoor events like football games, concerts, or street festivals.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that generally, people don’t need to mask when outdoors—with a few exceptions.

The agency recommends that people who aren’t fully vaccinated wear a mask in crowded outdoor places or during activities where they’ll be in close contact with other people. For fully vaccinated people, masking might be a good idea in crowded outdoor places, especially if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised.1