16 States That Have Removed Mask Mandates – Updated. The world had declared a state of emergency when Coronavirus (Covid-19) hit in 2020. The World Health Organization brought forth a set of rules and regulations to stop the spread of the deadly virus. Numerous states and countries issued stay-at-home orders and nationwide lockdowns to ensure that the virus doesn’t spread. The goal was and still is to lessen the curve of Covid-19 infections.
How Serious is Coronavirus?
The coronavirus (Covid-19) disease is a highly infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This virus can cause significant health problems and lead to death. Therefore restrictions and rules must be followed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The virus affects the respiratory system. This causes a mild to moderate respiratory illness, and many recover without special treatment. It is, however, possible for some to become seriously ill and require immediate medical attention.
Covid-19 has a higher fatality rate amongst those with pre-existing medical conditions. Covid-19, however, can affect anyone at any age and be just as fatal for someone with an impeccable health.
The virus spreads through small liquid particles when someone sneezes, coughs, sings, or breathes. It spreads through the nose and the mouth. Once the virus enters your system, it attacks your healthy cells and eventually kills some of them, especially those in your lungs. The results could be fatal.
How Can I Keep Safe From Covid-19?
Keeping safe from Covid-19 means you’ll have to do more than just wash your hands. The virus can live on surfaces for hours, even days. Keeping safe from this deadly virus might seem impossible, but it’s easier than you think. Wearing your mask and regularly sanitizing already reduces your risk of contracting the virus. There are, however, other ways to protect you and your family.
- Follow your state’s mask mandate and regulations: These regulations are put into place based on the severity of the infections in each state.
- Regularly sanitize the surfaces in your home: Things such as doorknobs and kitchen counters are constantly touched by people and things. Sanitizing them regularly will ensure that the virus doesn’t stick to it.
- Wipe down your groceries: This sounds silly, but it’s crucial. If you go to the shop to buy a carton of milk, you are unaware of how many before you touched that milk carton, if they’re following regulations, or their Covid-19 status. Since the virus can survive on surfaces, it might stay behind on your groceries as well.
- Keep your hands out of your face: The virus could be on your hands. Since it spreads by droplets, a single handshake or hug could possibly infect you. Avoiding your face ensures that the virus has no entry point until you reach your sanitiser.
- Avoid crowded places: You don’t know the Covid-19 status of everyone there. You don’t know if they’ve been honest about their Covid-19 situation either. Avoiding large crowds will lessen the possibility of you getting infected.
States That Have Removed Mask Mandates
Since the vaccine has been rolled out, immunity against Covid-19 has risen. As a result, fewer people are getting dangerously infected, and masks seem less mandatory, as everyone has followed regulations. In addition, some states have been lucky enough to eradicate their mask mandate as the virus subsides.
These states are:
-
Alaska:
Face masks aren’t required but recommended. In addition, Alaskans have been asked to Social Distance themselves and do their part to stop the spread of the virus.
-
Arizona:
It is up to different counties in Arizona to mandate masks. There is no mask mandate on the state itself.
-
Florida:
Local municipalities might have mask mandates. There is, however, no statewide mask mandate in Florida.
-
Georgia:
Some essential employees still require masks. The mask mandate, however, depends on the county.
-
Idaho:
The state has no mask mandate. Different municipalities, however, do.
-
Iowa:
The decline of Covid-19 allowed for the mask mandate to fall away in Iowa.
-
Mississippi:
There is no mask mandate in this state. The rapid release of the Covid-19 vaccine allowed the infection numbers to drop and the mask mandate.
-
Missouri:
There is no statewide mask requirement in Missouri.
-
Montana:
Local municipalities may enforce their mask mandate. The state no longer requires masks.
-
Nebraska:
Nebraska has removed its statewide mandate. However, clients and staff in different service industries are still required to wear masks.
-
North Dakota:
There is currently no mask mandate in North Dakota. The wearing of masks is, however, encouraged by the state.
-
Oklahoma:
Face masks are now only required in indoor public spaces in Oklahoma.
-
South Carolina:
There are counties and cities in South Carolina that still have mask mandates. The state, however, has none.
-
South Dakota:
There are no mask requirements in South Dakota.
-
Tennessee:
The mask requirements differ by county. Tennessee, however, has no prerequisites.
-
Texas:
Covid-19 has declined in the state, allowing mask mandates to no longer be necessary.
To Mask Or Not to Mask!
With so many people adhering to the state-mandated rules and regulations of Covid-19, mask mandates have been able to fall away. Different counties and municipalities could still require masks; it is, however, not state-mandated and at the discretion of that state.
