The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its face covering guidance on April 27, announcing that vaccinated individuals can safely attend small outdoor gatherings and participate in other outdoor activities without wearing masks, among other new recommendations. While the new guidance relaxes mask guidelines for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, according to President Joe Biden, the new recommendations are a reason to get vaccinated now.

“The bottom line is clear,” Biden said. “If you’re vaccinated, you can do more things, more safely, both outdoors as well as indoors.”

But even with new federal guidance, mask mandates differ across the country. In the majority of U.S. states and territories, face coverings are mandated by law as a preventive measure during the coronavirus pandemic. Along with public health experts, the majority of governors – including some who have changed their earlier stances on masks as COVID-19 cases have surged in their states – strongly encourage wearing face masks, regardless of state mandate.

According to a study conducted by the CDC in Kansas, following Gov. Laura Kelly’s July mask mandate on a county-by-county basis, the 24 counties with mandatory mask mandates saw an overall decrease in COVID-19 cases, while the 81 counties that opted out of the mask mandate continued to see increases in cases. Similarly, research conducted by Vanderbilt University’s Department of Health Policy in October found that COVID-19 death tolls were twice as high in Tennessee counties without mask mandates as compared to counties with directives in place. Gov. Bill Lee has not initiated a mask mandate in the state, deferring to local leaders.

For those areas with mask decrees, the details differ. Some states simply require a face covering anytime an individual leaves his or her residence, while others provide detailed instructions for where masks must be worn. In all states with mandates, children under the age of 2 years old should not wear masks, according to the CDC and further direction by states, but other age restrictions vary.

These are the U.S. states and territories with mask mandates:

These are the U.S. states and territories without mask mandates:

Gov. Kay Ivey initiated a statewide mask mandate effective July 16, ordering that masks should be worn in the state when within 6 feet of a member of another household in public indoor spaces, while using transportation services or in outdoor public spaces with gatherings of 10 or more people. Gov. Ivey let the mandate expire on April 9, although she encouraged mask wearing after the mandate ends.

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services encourages mask wearing anytime an individual is near non-household members, especially indoors, but no official mandate at the state level is in place. Some cities, such as Anchorage, have initiated local mandates.

Effective Feb. 2, Gov. Lemanu P. S. Mauga initiated a mask mandate for the territory, ordering individuals to wear face coverings inside any public building and while using public transportation. According to the World Health Organization, the group of islands that make up the territory of American Samoa in the Pacific Ocean has seen zero cases of COVID-19. However, the territory recently opened its borders to repatriation flights from Hawaii.

On Nov. 19, the Arizona Department of Health Services ordered that all schools throughout the state require masks to be worn on school campuses, on school buses and at any school-associated activities. Some businesses also have mask mandates in place, and some cities and counties have their own mandates, but a statewide mandate has not been instituted for Arizona outside of its schools.

Since July 20, a mask mandate was in place in the state, requiring that individuals comply with face covering guidelines when exposed to members of other households where a distance of 6 feet could not be maintained. Gov. Asa Hutchinson lifted the state’s mask mandate on March 30, although he encouraged people to be courteous of others and respect the decisions of businesses going forward.

Gov. Gavin Newsom initiated a mask mandate for Californians on June 18, and it has since been updated to order face coverings be worn whenever individuals are outside of the home. Children under 2 years of age are exempt from the mandate, as are individuals with certain medical conditions, and those who are outdoors and able to maintain a 6-foot distance from others, although they must bring a mask with them at all times. Newsom announced that the state would align with the CDC’s new outdoor masking recommendations, saying that those who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask outdoors unless they are in a large crowd.

Since July 20, individuals in the state have been required to wear a mask in indoor, public spaces and when using or waiting to use public transportation. The mandate makes exceptions for those 10 years and under and those with certain medical conditions. Gov. Jared Polis in April relaxed indoor mask requirements for some counties that fall under level-green restrictions based on low coronavirus transmission rates, but masks are still required in some settings such as schools and government buildings statewide. On May 2, Polis announced that he amended the state’s mask mandate to allow groups of 10 or more people to gather indoors without masks if 80% or more of those in attendance are vaccinated.

Gov. Ned Lamont ordered starting April 20 that all individuals in the state must wear a mask or face covering if they come within 6 feet of a non-household member, and when using public transportation. Since September, individuals may be fined if they do not comply with the mask mandate. Starting May 19, the mandate will be limited only to indoor areas. Children under 2 years of age are exempt from the mandate, as are those with certain medical conditions.

A mask mandate has been in place in the state since April 28, where individuals are required to wear face coverings when using public transportation, while at a business and in outdoor spaces where maintaining a distance of 6 feet from non-household members is not possible. Gov. John Carney announced that effective Dec. 14, a universal mask mandate will be initiated, requiring all individuals to wear a face covering anytime they are indoors with a non-household member. Starting May 21, Delawareans should follow outdoor masking guidance as outlined by the CDC, Carney announced on May 4.

Mayor Muriel Bowser initiated a mask mandate on July 22, stipulating that all individuals must wear a mask at businesses, in common areas of apartments, and when maintaining a distance of 6 feet is not possible outdoors. The order follows a May mandate requiring face coverings in essential business and during essential travel when the District was under a stay-at-home order. The order makes exceptions for children 2 years and younger, and individuals with certain medical conditions. On April 30, Bowser signed an executive order that allows people who are vaccinated to gather outdoors in small groups without masks, or with unvaccinated people who are wearing masks. People who are vaccinated may also get together indoors with other vaccinated individuals in private settings without masks.

Although city and county-level mandates exist, Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended all fines and penalties associated with not adhering to COVID-19-related restrictions on Sept. 25, hindering local leaders from enforcing their mandates.

According to Gov. Brian Kemp, face coverings are strongly encouraged outside of individuals’ homes, but not required. An Aug. 15 order allows counties to call for a mask mandate if they meet a certain number of COVID-19 cases per 100,00 people, and some cities, such as Atlanta, require masks in public.

The territory’s mask mandate orders individuals to wear masks “when congregating with persons not from the same household.” The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services also ordered a system of fines and penalties for violating the mask directive.

Until Nov. 16, the state had multiple mask mandates, dictated by county governments. Gov. David Ige instituted a statewide mandate for all individuals 5 years and older, excluding those with certain medical conditions.

On Nov. 19, five counties in Northern Idaho instituted a mask mandate, requiring masks to be worn when social distancing cannot occur. There is no mandate at the state level, though masks have been encouraged. Some cities, such as Boise, require masks in public.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker put a mask mandate into place effective May 1, requiring that individuals in the state wear a face covering in public indoor spaces, and when expecting to come into contact with non-household members within 6 feet. Children 2 years and under are exempt from the mandate, as are individuals with certain medical conditions.

Since July 27, individuals were required to wear a mask or face covering in the state when visiting public indoor spaces and when unable to maintain a 6-foot distance from non-household members while outdoors. Gov. Eric Holcomb let the mandate expire on April 6, and a mask advisory now takes its place, recommending but not requiring that masks be worn. Masks are still required in government buildings, at COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites and at K-12 schools.

Between Nov. 17 and Feb. 6, a mask mandate was in place for individuals when in indoor public spaces, and when within 6 feet of non-household members for 15 minutes or longer. Gov. Kim Reynolds lifted the mandate, effective Feb. 7, encouraging vulnerable populations to “continue to limit their activities outside of their home.” However, some cities such as Des Moines will maintain their own mask mandates.

Since July 3, a statewide face-covering mandate has been in place for individuals throughout the state when in indoor public spaces, using public transportation, and outdoors when unable to maintain a 6-foot distance from non-household members. On April 1, Republican lawmakers in Kansas ended the mandate, following an executive order from Gov. Laura Kelly to keep the mandate in place.

Gov. Andy Beshear initiated a face-covering mandate beginning July 10, making face coverings required while using public transportation, in all businesses and when a distance of 6 feet is difficult to maintain in all public indoor and outdoor spaces. Children 5 years and younger are exempt from the mandate, along with individuals actively exercising at a gym while maintaining a 6-foot distance from others, and those with disabilities that may prevent them from safely wearing a face covering. Beshear announced that starting April 27, groups of fewer than 1,000 individuals can gather outdoors without masks, although those who are not vaccinated should continue wearing masks if a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained from others. And on May 6, the governor announced that people who are vaccinated may gather in small groups indoors without masks.

Since July 13, individuals in the state have been required to wear masks while in public settings. Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that starting April 28, the statewide mask mandate will lift, and mandates going forward will be set by local leaders and business owners. However, masks will still be required in government buildings, early childhood education centers and K-12 schools, at colleges and universities, public transportation and health care settings.

Maine: State Mandate in Place

Gov. Janet Mills initiated a face-covering mandate effective April 29, requiring individuals throughout the state to wear a face covering in public settings. Effective Dec. 11, it has been updated with more specific language about enforcement of the mandate, which should be carried out by owners and operators of all indoor public spaces. With the update, Mills clarified that claiming a medical exemption is not an excuse for declining to wear a face mask in an indoor public space. Children under 2 years of age are exempt from the mandate. On April 27, Mills announced that masks will no longer be required outdoors in the state, except for where is it difficult to maintain physical distancing, following the CDC’s announcement of its new guidelines.

Since April 15, Marylanders have been required to wear face coverings in the state while using public transportation and at retail establishments, an order that was updated to include mask requirements while indoors at any public location and outdoors when physical-distancing measures are not consistently possible from non-household members. Exceptions are in place for children 5 years and under, and for individuals with certain medical conditions. Gov. Larry Hogan lifted the outdoor mask mandate on April 28, although unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to continue to wear masks, especially when social distancing is not possible.

Gov. Charlie Baker put a face-covering mandate in place effective May 6, ordering that individuals in the state wear a face covering when in a public location and when unable to maintain a distance of 6 feet from a non-household member. It has since been updated to stipulate that masks must be worn at all times in public spaces. Exceptions apply for children 5 years of age and younger, and for individuals with certain medical conditions. Baker announced that the state’s mask mandate will be relaxed for some outdoor settings, effective April 30, except for when it is not possible to socially distance, following the CDC’s announcement of new recommendations.

After Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s mask mandate was challenged in court, the Michigan Health Department stepped in, requiring Michiganders to wear face coverings in indoor, public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces, effective Oct. 5. Starting April 26, amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the state, children ages 2-4 are now required to wear a face covering, while they were previously exempt. Children under the age of 5 are not required to wear a face covering, besides in some child care settings. Those with certain medical conditions are also exempted from the mandate. Beginning May 6, masks are no longer required at outdoor gatherings with fewer than 100 people, the state’s department of health announced, and people who are vaccinated are not required to wear masks at residential gatherings, whether indoors or outdoors.

Gov. Tim Walz mandated starting July 25 that individuals in the state must wear a face covering in all indoor businesses and public settings, strongly encouraging Minnesotans to have a face covering with them at all times when leaving home. Exceptions to the mask mandate are made for children 5 years of age and younger, and individuals with certain medical conditions. Walz announced that on May 7, masks are no longer required in outdoor spaces, except for large venues of more than 500 people. The governor also announced that the state’s mask mandate will end by July 1.

After a statewide mask mandate expired in October, Gov. Tate Reeves imposed mandates on a county basis. But starting on March 3, mask mandates will be lifted in all Mississippi counties. Individuals are still encouraged to wear face coverings, Reeves said, but are not ordered to do so.

Some cities have adopted mask mandates in the state, but a statewide mandate is not in place. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services advises individuals to wear face coverings outside of the home when social distancing is not possible.

Then-Gov. Steve Bullock initiated a face-covering mandate July 15 for individuals in some indoor public spaces. But Gov. Greg Gianforte, who took office in January with a promise to remove the mask requirement, let the mandate expire on Feb. 12, encouraging personal responsibility as the state continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic.

Masks are required for some employees at businesses where customers come in close contact, such as massage parlors and barbershops, but no statewide mandate exists. Some cities, such as Omaha, have more stringent face covering requirements.

Nevada: State Mandate in Place

Starting June 25, individuals in the state were required to wear a face covering in any public space. New restrictions were put in place Nov. 22, mandating that face coverings must be worn when there is any contact with a non-household member, including private gatherings, whether inside or outside. On May 3, Gov. Steve Sisolak announced that those who are vaccinated may gather indoors with others who are fully vaccinated without masks, and may participate in some outdoor activities without a mask as well, following CDC guidelines for vaccinated individuals.

Gov. Chris Sununu announced a mask mandate beginning Nov. 20 for individuals in any public space, indoor or outdoor, where consistently maintaining physical-distancing measures is not possible. On April 16, the governor let the mandate expire, citing declining fatalities and increased vaccinations.

Effective July 8, individuals in the state are required to wear a mask in outdoor spaces where physical-distancing measures are not possible. The order reiterates that all individuals should continue to wear masks in all indoor spaces accessible to the public, except for children under 2 years of age, and individuals for whom a mask would pose a safety risk.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham initiated a face-covering mandate, effective May 16, ordering individuals in the state to wear a face covering when in public spaces. In July, restrictions were extended to gyms, as well, and a fine was put in place for violations of the mandate.

Since April 17, a face-covering mandate has been in place in the state in all public spaces when unable to maintain physical-distancing measures, such as using public transportation. The order makes exceptions for children under age 2 and individuals who cannot medically tolerate a face covering. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced new mask-mandate guidelines, in accordance with the CDC’s recommendations, allowing vaccinated individuals to not wear masks in some outdoor settings.

Gov. Roy Cooper announced Nov. 23 that individuals in the state must wear face coverings when in indoor or outdoor public spaces and around non-household members. Face coverings are now required in schools and when exercising at gyms, building on the state’s initial June mandate. The order makes exceptions for children under 5 years of age, and those with certain medical conditions. Cooper announced an executive order to lift the state’s outdoor mask mandate, effective April 30, although individuals are still encouraged to wear masks in crowded areas.

Between Nov. 14 and Jan. 18, individuals in the state were required to wear masks in all indoor public spaces and outdoors when physical-distancing measures were not possible. But Gov. Doug Burgum let the mandate expire in January, citing improved case numbers, while urging the public to maintain personal responsibility when it comes to combating the coronavirus.

Wearing a mask in the territory is not mandated, but some businesses have independently required face coverings upon entering.

Ohio: State Mandate in Place

Gov. Mike DeWine initiated a face-covering mandate, effective July 23, requiring all individuals to wear a face covering at all indoor public spaces, including public transportation, as well as in outdoor public spaces when physical-distancing measures are not possible. Exceptions are made for children under 10 years of age and for individuals with certain medical conditions.

Oregon: State Mandate in Place

Since July 1, individuals throughout the state have been required to wear face coverings in public indoor spaces, and that was later expanded to outdoor spaces. The state’s most recent mandate orders masks to be worn at all times, besides in one’s residence or while eating or drinking. Children under the age of 5 are exempt, as are those with certain medical conditions. Effective April 29, individuals who are fully vaccinated no longer have to wear masks outdoors, except for in crowded areas or at large gatherings. Fully vaccinated individuals can also gather without masks at private residences indoors in small groups with others who are vaccinated, following CDC guidelines.

Secretary of Health Rachel Levine announced a new mask mandate Nov. 17 requiring individuals age 2 and up to wear masks wherever they gather indoors with non-household members, even if they practice physical distancing. On March 17, a change to the mandate went into effect, allowing people who have been vaccinated to gather without masks with others who have been vaccinated, and with individuals from a single household even if they have not been vaccinated, in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Face masks are required at all businesses and during all outdoor activities in the territory, following a June 29 executive order.

Starting May 8, individuals throughout the state have been required to wear face coverings in all public spaces. Former-Gov. Gina Raimondo built upon that mandate in November, ordering face coverings to be worn at all times when a non-household member is present, including while outdoors. Exceptions are made for children under 2 years of age, and for those individuals with certain medical conditions. Gov. Dan McKee announced that the mandate will be relaxed starting May 7, maintaining mask requirements indoors but not outdoors where people can keep at least 3 feet of distance from others.

Gov. Henry McMaster has previously urged local officials to impose mask mandates, but no statewide mandate exists. Since August, however, individuals in the state were required to wear a face covering in government buildings, offices and facilities, but an executive order on March 5 lifted those restrictions. Some local governments had mask mandates in place, but a May 11 executive order made all such mandates tied to state emergency declarations invalid. McMaster’s May 11 executive order also gave parents the ability to opt their children out of wearing masks in schools.

The state encourages individuals to wear masks, but Gov. Kristi Noem has not put a statewide mandate in place. Two lawmakers recently called on Noem to institute a mask policy. Some communities have instituted mask mandates locally.

Gov. Bill Lee has advised individuals to take personal responsibility when it comes to wearing face coverings in public, especially in indoor spaces and when social distancing is not possible, but no statewide mandate has been ordered. Multiple counties across the state have initiated mask mandates.

A mask mandate has been in place in the state since July 3, requiring individuals to wear a face covering in public indoor spaces, as well as in outdoor public spaces when physical-distancing measures were not possible. But on March 2, Gov. Greg Abbott said in a press conference that he will remove the mask mandate, effective March 10, along with other statewide COVID-19 restrictions, citing the lowest case numbers and hospitalizations the state has seen in months.

In July, the Commissioner of Health ordered that face coverings be worn in the territory in public spaces, including work spaces, businesses, schools and public transportation. The mandate exempts children under the age of 2.

Then-Gov. Gary Herbert announced a statewide mask mandate Nov. 9 after previously instituting mandates on the county level. The statewide order required all individuals in the state must wear face masks while in indoor public settings, as well as outdoors when coming within 6 feet of a non-household member. The mandate ended on April 10, according to House Bill 294, although masks are still required for gatherings of 50 people or more where social distancing is not possible.

Since Aug. 1, individuals in the state have been required to wear a face covering while in indoor or outdoor public spaces where they come in contact with non-household members and where they are unable to maintain a distance of 6 feet. The mandate makes exceptions for children 2 years of age and younger and those with certain medical conditions. Effective May 1, individuals are no longer required to wear masks outdoors, except for in crowded spaces where physical distancing is not possible.

Gov. Ralph Northam initiated a statewide face-covering mandate May 29, ordering individuals throughout the state to wear face coverings when in indoor public spaces and while using public transportation. Effective Dec. 14, Northam expanded the mandate to include all indoor areas shared with non-household members, and outdoor areas where maintaining a 6-foot distance from non-household members is not possible. The mandate exempts children under 5 years old.

Effective June 26, individuals in the state have been required to wear face coverings when in indoor public spaces, and in outdoor public spaces when maintaining a 6-foot distance from others is not possible. Children under 5 years of age are exempt from the mandate, along with individuals with certain medical conditions.

Gov. Jim Justice initiated a face-covering mandate, effective Nov. 14, ordering all individuals in the state to wear face coverings when in indoor public spaces, with exceptions while eating and drinking inside restaurants. Children under 9 years of age are exempt from the regulation, as are individuals with certain medical conditions. Justice announced on May 7 that the state’s mask mandate will be lifted June 20.

Following a legal challenge in October, Gov. Tony Evers’ face-covering mandate was upheld. The mandate required individuals throughout the state to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces, as well as enclosed spaces such as while using public transportation. On March 31, however, after disputes between the governor and some legislators brought the mandate to the state’s Supreme Court, the mandate was struck down and effectively ended.

A statewide mask order took effect on Dec. 9, requiring face coverings be worn in indoor public spaces, such as businesses, government buildings, and while using public transportation. But Gov. Mark Gordon announced that he will remove the mask mandate, effective March 16, asking Wyoming citizens to “continue to take personal responsibility for their actions and stay diligent.”