To Mask or not To Mask... That is the Question
- Editorial Staff
- Feb 10, 2022
- 2 min read
Editorial Staff - February 10, 2022
There seems to be an exodus away from the CDC and Federal guidelines as far as the mask mandate requirements as more states have joined the maskless population. So, let's take a look at where we stand as of this morning with yesterday's announcements.
Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to urge mask use as a means to reduce transmission of the coronavirus.
The push to let people remove their masks highlights the patchwork nature of health protocols, which have been applied inconsistently since the pandemic began in the United States in early 2020.
Here is what is shifting at the state level:
California
The state will allow its universal indoor-mask mandate to expire on Feb. 15, officials announced. Masks will still be required indoors for people who are not vaccinated. Everyone in high-risk settings, including hospitals and schools, will still have to wear a mask.
Connecticut
Gov. Ned Lamont said, "A mask edict covering students and staff in the state’s schools will be lifted no later than Feb. 28."
Delaware
Gov. John Carney said, "The state’s mask rule for businesses and workplaces will expire on Feb. 11, but the one for schools will remain until March 31"
Illinois
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said, "A statewide indoor mask requirement in Illinois will be lifted on Feb. 28."
Massachusetts
Governor Charlie Baker announced, "The statewide school mask mandate will expire on Feb. 28"
New Jersey
Gov. Phil Murphy announced, "Beginning the second week in March, New Jersey will stop requiring students and school employees to wear masks,"
Nevada
Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak is expected to announce Thursday that the mask mandate is lifted
New York
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced, "New York’s stringent indoor mask-or-vaccine system for business has ended, ending a requirement that businesses ask customers for proof of full vaccination or require masks indoors. A school mask mandate is scheduled to expire on Feb. 21."
Oregon
Gov. Kate Brown announced, "Oregon is set to end its mask decree for indoor public spaces no later than March 31,"
Pennsylvania
A mask requirement for K-12 students ended on Jan. 17.
Rhode Island
An indoor mask mandate will end on Feb. 11, state officials said.
Virginia
Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order on Jan. 15 that said parents could decide for themselves whether to follow school mask rules. The order aimed to end a mandate imposed by Mr. Youngkin’s predecessor, Ralph Northam. A judge in Virginia handed down a temporary ruling that seven school districts could continue to enforce mask-wearing.
So, it is not my intention to attempt to persuade anyone in this debate but to simply state the facts as they come out. To Mask or Not to Mask, that is the question facing governors and administrations in all 50 states. As stated of course the CDC is still sticking to its position that mask mandates should still be in place. Why not let us know what you think by commenting below we love feedback from our readers.
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