Students and staff at Connecticut schools are now allowed to take their masks off outside on school property.

The Department of Education and Department of Public Health have just issued clarity for schools following the CDC's big announcement on masks last week.

Masks are no longer required outdoors.

The Department of Education says when students are actively moving around, like at recess or gym class, masks do not have to be worn.

Officials are recommending masks still be worn though when students and staff are in close contact outdoors.

They say hands should be washed before and after recess and gym class.

Masks must still be worn inside school buildings through the end of the school year.

State officials say the hope is that masks won't have to be worn in the classroom come fall if the majority of students are vaccinated.