September 27, 2022 - For two years, health officials stressed the importance of wearing masks when spending time indoors in order to help lower the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19. That guidance has been especially important during the fall and winter months when more people head indoors and respiratory viruses like COVID-19 are known to thrive.

But as the pandemic appears to be winding down and case numbers and hospitalizations decline, what is the current rule of thumb surrounding mask wearing for this fall and winter? Are masks still necessary? Where and when should they be worn? And will it even be possible to get people to start wearing masks again, when many have stopped donning them altogether and very few businesses require them?

With the fall season just around the corner and COVID-19 cases expected to tick up again, here's a closer look at what experts suggest regarding mask wearing for the months ahead.

Where Should You Wear a Mask Specifically?

While this is another question that is really up to individuals, it's important to bear in mind that you can technically pick up COVID-19 just about anywhere. But Dr. Schaffner notes that crowded indoor spaces are the places where you're at highest risk of getting the virus. "You may want to consider wearing masks indoors when you do larger group activities," Dr. Schaffner said.