Oregonians will no longer have to wear face coverings in most indoor public places starting Saturday.

Citing low COVID-19 hospitalizations and widespread immunity, Oregon is lifting its mask mandate — one of the last states in the country to do so. Hawaii will be the last state to stop requiring masks, March 25.

But with two years of ever-shifting COVID-19 policies, it’s easy to get confused about what is changing and why. Let’s break down what, exactly, this change in policy means.

Haven’t we done this once before?

Yes. Oregon initially set a statewide masking requirement in July 2020 and lifted it last summer, when the country thought the worst of the coronavirus pandemic was over. That reprieve was short-lived, with renewed masking requirements beginning Aug. 13 and extending through the delta and omicron waves.

Then how do we know it’s safe to do so now?

State health officials say it’s safe enough to lift the mask mandate now thanks to low COVID-19 hospitalizations and widespread immunity. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have plummeted in recent weeks to their lowest levels since July, meaning the health care system will be able to handle any uptick in cases brought by increased spread. So many people have either gotten vaccinated or infected that the majority of Oregonians have some amount of protection from the virus, at least for several months.

Does this mean I have to take off my mask in a public place, even if I want to keep it on?

No. Nothing in state policy prohibits people from wearing masks.

Will I no longer have to wear a mask when I go shopping or into a business?

Not unless the business independently decides to require masks. There is no longer a blanket requirement for masks in businesses, but individual places are still free to ask patrons to mask up. Businesses have signaled they will take different tacks, with some saying they will keep requiring masks and others saying they are eager to take them off.

What about schools? Will my kids no longer have to wear masks?

Just like with businesses, schools are no longer required to make children and staff wear masks. The same applies to school buses. But, just like with businesses, individual schools and districts will be able to make the call themselves. Most major metro school districts have said they will lift the mandate, with the exception of Parkrose School District, which will keep the requirement in place until March 29. And even if cases spike in a particular area going forward, the schools there won’t be required to put in place a mandate.

I’d like to go to a show or sports event where there might be many people. I’m really not required to wear a mask?

According to state rules, no, you don’t, unless the owners make that a condition of attendance. The Trail Blazers are playing the Washington Wizards at the Moda Center Saturday, and those who come won’t be required to wear masks. But The Oregon Symphony and Portland Center Stage will keep requiring masks.

Even if I’m not required to wear a mask, should I?

The state recommends people continue to wear masks if they live in an area where the virus is spreading rapidly. Those who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, 65 or older or live with someone in one of those categories could also consider continuing to wear a mask.

Is there anywhere I’ll still have to wear a mask?

Yes. People who work or go to health care settings, such as hospitals and doctors’ offices, still have to wear masks. So do people in group living settings, like nursing homes. And, under a federal rule extended to April 18, people must wear masks on public transportation, including on buses and in airplanes.

— Fedor Zarkhin