Fully-Vaccinated Coloradans Can Ditch Masks Outside, CDC Says

Hiking and biking in a mask still? Feel free to take that thing off now, if you are vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control said in its most recent update. 

For Coloradans who want to get out and enjoy the spring weather sans-mask, you now can safely, the CDC says — that is, if it has been more than two weeks since your second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two weeks since your single Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

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'Fully vaccinated people can now unmask at small outdoor gatherings, or when dining outside with friends from multiple households,' CNN reported. Outdoor activities like hiking, biking and walking are included, too, if you are alone or with your household.

The CDC's April 27 update for fully-vaccinated people says that they can 'participate in many outdoor activities without a mask at low risk to themselves or to others.' However, the CDC says even when fully vaccinated, if you are in a crowded outdoor setting with little physical distance, you should still wear a mask. You can see the CDC's full update here.

Note that Colorado's COVID-19 guidelines are now in place by county and not by the state, and businesses can still enforce their own restrictions and guidelines. Larimer County still has a mask mandate in place, while Weld County has lifted all of the county's COVID-19 restrictions.

The NoCo Virus Tracker articles are made possible by our partners, the Keep NoCo Open campaign that reminds citizens to wear a mask, wash your hands, physically distance and support local as Northern Colorado recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.