Wearing masks has become part of the “new normal” for the past year. It is incorporated into our daily lives. Masks provide us with safety by preventing the spread of bacteria. They slow the spread of germs while adding a nice touch to cute outfits.
According to research, “After 1 month, 42 people out of 2,392 in the group that wore masks, or 1.8%, developed a COVID-19 infection, compared to 53 people out of 2,470 in the group that didn’t wear masks, or 2.1%.”
Despite evidence of the effectiveness of wearing masks, many governors across the nation decided to lift mask mandates and other COVID-19 safety regulations — returning states back to almost normal conditions even when the cases continue to rise.
As of March 10, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota and Texas do not require face coverings to be worn in the general public.
“With the medical advancements of vaccines and antibody therapeutic drugs, Texas now has the tools to protect Texans from the virus,” says Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
In addition to lifting the mask mandate, Abbott also reopened Texas businesses and restaurants to 100% capacity.
“With this executive order, we are ensuring that all businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny.”
Since September 25, 2020, all Florida counties have been in Phase 3 of Florida’s Plan for Recovery.
The state of Florida encourages the use of face masks, but it is not required for the general public.
People over 65 or with underlying medical conditions are allowed to participate in socially distanced public interactions.
Restaurants and bars are open to operate at full capacity with limited social distancing protocols.
Major Florida cities and counties, such as Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Hillsborough, require masks. However, local governments are prohibited from imposing fines and penalties for noncompliance under a Sept. 25 executive order by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Based on information from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), only 35 state governments require citizens to wear face masks while in public. The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico require the use of face masks, as well.
Mask mandates and social distancing regulations vary across the nation. States will typically follow what other states are doing.
States such as Arizona and Nebraska also do not require masks for the general public, but employees and customers of barbers and cosmetologists must wear masks. In other circumstances, masks are recommended but not required. Large counties impose mask mandates to slow the spread.
California, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah and Vermont residents are required to wear face coverings in the general public. The policy exempts children under the age of 2.
Many cities in Idaho and South Carolina require people to wear face masks in the general public, but there is no statewide face mask mandate. It is recommended for employees to wear masks, but it is not required.
Similar to several other states, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin residents must wear masks in all public settings unless they are under the age of 5.
In addition to exempting children under the age of 5, Minnesota’s mask mandate also exempted people working alone with walls above face height.
Missouri, South Dakota and Tennessee do not have mask mandates. Several large cities have local mandates and encourage wearing masks, but there are no statewide requirements.
Nevada and West Virginia require most people over the age of 9 to wear face coverings in all public settings.
Alabama requires people over age 6 to wear masks in the general public when they are within 6 feet of someone from another household. This mandate will expire on April 9.
In Alaska, face coverings are not required for the general public, but they are “strongly encouraged” by the Alaska Department of Health Social Services. Furthermore, several cities, including Anchorage and Juneau, have local regulations in place.
In Arkansas, face coverings are required for people age 10 in the general public when unable to social distance. This mandate is in effect until March 31.
Connecticut has a strict mask mandate that doesn’t excuse children under the age of 2. Face coverings must be worn by all people in the general public.
People of Delaware must wear face coverings in all public settings. Additionally, they must wear masks at private indoor gatherings with people from other households. Children below kindergarten age are exempt from this mandate.
Georgia does not require residents to wear masks. However, people are strongly encouraged to do so when in the general public. Cities and counties with 100 or more confirmed Coronavirus cases per 100,000 people are allowed to impose mask mandates.
Hawaii requires face coverings for customers of businesses and employees who come in contact with customers or goods.
Indiana requires all people age 8 and older to wear face coverings in both indoor and outdoor public settings.
Kansas requires residents over the age of 5 to wear face masks in all public settings. However, Kansas counties have the option of opting out from this mandate. As a result, only 54 out of 105 counties require the use of face coverings in the general public.
Louisiana also requires people to wear face coverings in the general public. Children under the age of 8 are exempt from this mandate, but they are highly encouraged to wear face masks, as well.
Maine has a strict mask mandate and requires masks to be worn in all public settings with no exceptions.
New Jersey requires all people over the age of 2 to wear face coverings in public spaces. The mandate also includes people who work in construction and agriculture.
New Mexico strongly enforces the use of face coverings in public settings, even at the gym. People who violate this mandate are subject to a $100 fine.
The Ohio mask mandate requires only people age 10 and older to wear face masks while in the general public.
Despite getting COVID-19 in July, Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma does not have a mask mandate in place. A few cities have endorsed regulations to help prevent the spread of the pandemic, but there is no statewide mask requirement.
Oregon’s mask mandate requires people to wear face coverings in all public settings, excluding children under age 2. Furthermore, indoor gatherings of more than 10 people are not allowed.
Wyoming’s mask mandate requires face coverings for all except children under the age of 13. Children age 12 and under are strongly encouraged to wear face masks to slow the spread of the virus. Counties are also allowed to opt-out of the exemption if approved by both the county and state health officers.
As we grow tired of living through significant events, we can’t let this fatigue stop us from being safe. Mask mandates are being lifted while COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Even if it isn’t required, wearing a mask can save lives.
Not only are you protecting yourself by wearing a mask, but you’re also protecting the people around you.
If we want the pandemic to be over, we must wear our masks to slow the spread of the virus.