Montgomery County now recommends everyone wear masks outdoors in certain situations

The Montgomery County Commissioners in consultation with the Office of Public Health today announced that “starting Monday, September 6, 2021, masking is now recommended outdoors in certain situations for the general public regardless of vaccination status.”

In the recommendation, officials point out that today marks two weeks that the county has been in the high level of COVID-19 community transmission according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) COVID Early Warning Monitoring System Dashboard.

In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, the CDC recommends wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.

In the announcement, officials stress that it is recommended that you should wear a mask when outdoors if you cannot stay at least six feet apart from people who do not live in your household.

Whether indoors or outdoors, masking is not recommended when actively participating in sports practice, activity, or events. This includes actively participating in high-intensity aerobic or anaerobic activities in well-ventilated locations and where people are able to stay at least six feet apart. 

Masking is recommended when people are not actively participating in sports practice, activities, or events, or high-intensity activities. This includes while on the bench, in locker rooms, and riding in team transportation.

Montgomery County continues to recommend masks be worn at indoor public spaces. Masks are required for staff and visitors to all county buildings and facilities.