RI Lifts Outside Masks: Venues Set Own Rules

PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health announced this week that vaccinated and unvaccinated people don’t need to wear outside masks in Rhode Island, effective Wednesday, but local venues may still require them.

The announcement follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision to revise outdoor masking guidance for summer camps on Friday, May 28.

Unvaccinated people are still strongly encouraged to wear masks in crowded outdoor settings or during activities that involve sustained close contact (less than 6 feet apart for more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period) with other people who are not fully vaccinated, according to the health department.

While the state’s removal of outdoor masking requirement applies to all ages and settings, including outdoor live performances, youth sports and summer camps, a hosting establishment or organization may ask customers or participants to wear masks at their discretion.

Per its most recent guidance regarding outdoor masking for summer camps, it also strongly recommended that unvaccinated individuals wear masks in areas of “substantial” or “high” transmission. The current rate of COVID-19 transmission in Rhode Island is considered moderate, according to RIDOH.

There are no changes to indoor masking guidance, including throughout school settings. Fully vaccinated people can elect not to wear masks indoors where it is permitted. People who are yet to be fully vaccinated should continue wearing masks indoors.