COVID-19 Restrictions Ease as Number of Cases, Hospitalization, Decrease

As cases of COVID-19, and hospitalizations, continue to drop, many areas are beginning to lift restrictions as health officials release new guidelines. In many places across the country, we are starting to see mask mandates removed.

Massachusetts is lifting a statewide mask mandate for grades K-12 on Monday. In Connecticut, the statewide mask mandate will be lifted, and it will be up to individual school districts whether or not students will need to mask up. Starting Wednesday, students in New York state will no longer have to wear a mask. 

“If we see no unforeseen spikes and our numbers continue to show a low level of risk, New York City will remove the indoor mask mandate for public school children, effective next Monday, March 7,” said Mayor Eric Adams in a statement Sunday.

California, Oregon, and Washington will move to mask recommendations in schools beginning March 11. 

In California, students attending Los Angeles County schools will no longer be required to wear masks beginning March 12. San Francisco Unified School District announced its mask mandate would remain in place. 

Illinois will no longer require patrons to mask up to enter restaurants, bars, gyms, and stores as of Monday. Additionally, Chicago ended its proof-of-vaccination requirement. 

New York is also dropping the requirement that patrons show proof of vaccination to enter indoor venues beginning on March 7.

Gov. Gavin Newson’s office announced that California is also dropping its requirement for unvaccinated people to wear masks in most indoor settings starting Tuesday. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new metrics on Friday aimed at helping Americans determine whether or not they needed to mask up indoors. Most Americans are living in areas where wearing a mask is considered necessary.