Several states are moving to eliminate mask mandates as the number of reported coronavirus cases dips to its lowest level since December, when the highly contagious Omicron variant touched off a wave of cases.
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. (Find all state-level policies and guidance on masks here.)
Here 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
A mask edict covering students and staff in the state’s schools will be lifted no later than Feb. 28, Gov. Ned Lamont said.
Delaware
The state’s mask rule for businesses and workplaces will expire on Feb. 11, but the one for schools will remain until March 31, Gov. John Carney said.
Massachusetts
The statewide school mask mandate will expire on Feb. 28, Gov. Charlie Baker announced.
Oregon
Oregon is set to end its mask decree for indoor public spaces no later than March 31, Gov. Kate Brown announced.
New Jersey
Beginning the second week in March, New Jersey will stop requiring students and school employees to wear masks, Gov. Phil Murphy announced.
New York
New York’s stringent indoor mask-or-vaccine system for business has ended, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced, 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.
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.