COVID-19 Mandates: When You Should Wear a Mask

Jessica Migala has been a health, fitness, and nutrition writer for almost 15 years. She has contributed to more than 40 print and digital publications, including EatingWell, Real Simple, and Runner's World. Jessica had her first editing role at Prevention magazine and, later, Michigan Avenue magazine in Chicago. She currently lives in the suburbs with her husband, two young sons, and beagle. When not reporting, Jessica likes runs, bike rides, and glasses of wine (in moderation, of course). Find her @jlmigala or on LinkedIn.

Are masks coming back? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a mask to prevent COVID-19, although there are no official mandates. Masks help protect you and others against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID.

You can check the hospital admission level in your county to decide whether you need to wear a mask. The CDC says it's best to wear a mask if the hospital admission level in your area is high, especially if you are at risk for severe illness. It's also essential to wear a mask indoors if you have been exposed to the virus or test positive and must be around others in your home.

There is not always a clear answer, however, as to when you need to wear a mask in specific situations. Read on to learn about COVID mask mandates and when you still need to wear one.

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There are no official mask mandates as of January 2024. The CDC, though, advises wearing a mask if you live in an area with a high hospital admission level.

The agency recommends people with a high risk of severe illness wear masks in areas with medium to high hospital admission levels. You might consider wearing a mask if you are caring for or living with someone who might become severely ill.

You may consider masking up before you enter certain places, including a healthcare provider's office and public transportation.

Of note: The CDC advises wearing a mask if you have an active COVID infection, regardless of your vaccination status. You are most contagious during the first five days after you test positive. Continue wearing a mask, however, through day 11 if you must be around others in your home and public places.

Consider the risk of spreading and getting COVID in your area before you visit public places. The CDC generally advises wearing a mask if you live in an area with a high hospital admission level and are in a crowded indoor area with poor ventilation. It's also essential to practice social distancing and keep six feet away from others if possible.

Here are a few places in which you might consider masking up:

Anyone can spread and get COVID. Wearing a mask helps protect you and others, especially those who may be at risk for severe illness, such as:

Wear a high-quality mask or respirator to protect yourself and others from COVID. A high-quality mask is comfortable, fits you properly, and offers the most protection. A mask will fit closely to your face to block out respiratory droplets. Respirators, in contrast, will filter out droplets in the air and contain droplets you breathe out.

There are different types of masks, including:

Cloth masks are less protective than KN95s and N95s, which are the most protective against COVID. Cover your mouth and nose with the material, regardless of the type you choose. Make sure your mask or respirator fits properly, meaning there are no gaps between the material and your face.

You may consider wearing a disposable surgical mask underneath a cloth mask for added protection. Other ways to increase protection include knotting the ear loops of your mask or choosing one that ties behind your neck and head.

The CDC advises wearing a mask if you live in an area with a hospital admission level, especially if you are at risk for severe illness. Make sure that you wear a mask if you have an active COVID infection if you must be around others. KN95s and N95s are the most protective against COVID. A disposable surgical mask with a cloth mask on top of it also offers some protection.

The information in this story is accurate as of publication. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Types of masks and respirators.