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On Thursday, New Mexico became the latest state to lift its public masking requirement.
Within the past three weeks, half of the states that instituted mask mandates in response to the ongoing pandemic . On Thursday afternoon, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said , “effective immediately.” “With vaccines, boosters and effective treatment options widely available, we have the tools we need to protect ourselves and keep our fellow New Mexicans safe,” Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, said in a statement. The decision came some two-and-a-half weeks before the state’s mandate was set to expire — and two days after California and Connecticut lifted similar requirements. Here’s everything you need to know about which states have ended mask mandates and which regions still require face coverings for businesses, schools or both. Plus, where the CDC and World Health Organization stand on the issue. For more, check out , the best and the . The highly transmissible prompted many states to reinstitute mask mandates, but as infections and hospitalizations drop sharply, those requirements are quickly ending. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham that the state’s mask mandate has been lifted, effective immediately. California’s indoor masking requirements for vaccinated people ended on Feb. 15, though unvaccinated people are still required to wear face coverings indoors. Rhode Island an immediate end to mask-or-vaccine requirements for indoor spaces on Feb 11, the same day. Delaware Gov. John Carney . “We’re in a much better place than we were several weeks ago in the middle of the omicron surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations,” Carney, a Democrat, said in a statement. New York its mask mandates for everyone on Feb. 10, though cities, counties and individual businesses can still enforce mask-or-vaccine requirements, but it’s no longer required by state law. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak the same day. “Masks are still a great tool we have to slow the spread of the virus,” Sisolak said in a statement. “The state will no longer require masks in public places, but employers and organizations — including school districts — may set their own policies, and I encourage them to work with their employees and communities to ensure that policies are in place.” Illinois plans to end its statewide indoor mask mandate on Feb. 28, citing the state’s sharp drop in hospitalizations. The Oregon Health Authority and Department of Human Services said it expected in the state “no later than March 31.” Massachusetts currently still requires masks , including on public transportation and in health care facilities and nursing homes. On Tuesday, state public health officials went from advising everyone to wear masks indoors to recommending face coverings for unvaccinated individuals and vaccinated persons with specific medical conditions. Four US states and four territories currently require masks in indoor settings like restaurants, bars and gyms: As noted above, Illinois‘ statewide mask rules end Feb. 28, as do similar requirements in Washington, DC. The Oregon Health Authority has said no later than Mar. 31. Washington has already lifted its outdoor mask requirement, and all remaining masking requirements on Mar. 21. California and Connecticut only require unvaccinated people to wear masks indoors. The AARP has an of mask mandates across the US. Eleven states currently have mask requirements in public schools, though many have announced those will end in the coming weeks. Statewide mask requirements in schools in and are ending on Feb. 28. Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee indicated that indoor masking in public K-12 schools will end on March 4, though local municipalities can implement their own masking policies. New Jersey announced it for students and school employees on Mar. 7. Washington school masking requirements on Mar. 21, along with the state’s public mask mandate. The Oregon Health Authority the state will stop mask requirements in schools “no later than Mar 31,” the day they’re slated in Delaware schools. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker for schools, following a vote by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan on the State Board of Education to rescind its mask requirement for all students and staff in public schools. Local school systems, however, once 80% of eligible residents are vaccinated. The regularly updates its list of states that have mask mandates, as well as those with bans on mask requirements. In December, due to concerns around the more virulent omicron variant, the Biden administration for those traveling by trains, buses and airplanes. Originally intended newark nj to nyc expire on Jan. 18, the measure is now set to end March 18. The White House has not said if it plans to extend the federal mask mandate further. The CDC is expected to update its mask recommendation as early as next week. The age 2 years and older, vaccinated or unvaccinated, to continue wearing masks when in public indoor spaces, especially if in a high COVID-19 transmission area. But the agency is expected to loosen its indoor masking guidelines , reportedly switching to a benchmark that looks at the level of severe disease and hospitalizations in a given community, rather than a blanket nationwide directive. The CDC originally stated in May 2021 that but , when the delta variant led to higher numbers of infections, hospitalizations and deaths. People outdoors generally do not need to wear masks, the agency said, unless they are in extended close contact with other people. The World Health Organization’s is that wearing a well-fitting mask that covers the nose and mouth is recommended indoors in areas with poor ventilation or where social distancing cannot be maintained, “irrespective of vaccination status or history of prior infection.” For more information, here’s what you need to know about . Also, read up on these and .
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Which states have ended mask mandates?
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What is the World Health Organization’s position on masks?
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
