New CDC Guidance Shows Masks Not Necessary In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — Most Rhode Island residents don't need to wear a mask indoors, according the updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The latest data shows that all Rhode Island counties are considered "medium" risk.

The federal government last week revised the system it uses to deem where certain mitigation factors are encouraged. The CDC uses hospital bed capacity, hospital admissions and new COVID-19 cases to determine how high virus levels are in a county.

All five of Rhode Island counties are yellow on the map, meaning the risk level is medium. Under these conditions, the CDC recommends mask-wearing for people at an elevated risk of severe illness, based on guidance from their health care provider.

Masks are recommended indoors for people in high communities, of which there are none in Rhode Island. Everyone is still being encouraged to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if experiencing symptoms.

The new guidance aligns with Gov. Dan McKee's decision to drop the indoor mask or proof of vaccine requirement in public spaces. The statewide school mask mandate will lift March 4, leaving the decision up to individual districts.

Patch editor Mike Carraggi contributed to this report.