Continued outdoor mask-wear could help those with severe allergies in the desert New CDC guidelines say you don’t have to wear a mask outdoors if you’re not in a crowded area. But if you have particularly bad allergies, you might want to anyway. “The worst is when it’s a windy day...and all the dust just comes out of no where,” said Jesus Olivo, a resident of Coachella. Allergies in the desert are unfortunately experienced by some all year round. “I get nasal congestion, post nasal drop, a lot of itchiness around my skin,” said Ana Delgado, a resident of Indio.