As COVID-19 Infections Rise, Face mask Mandates Decline

The number of new coronavirus cases is rising in more than one-half of the states. Including Michigan where new cases have jumped from a daily average of just over 1,000 to well over 7,000.

This increase is attributed to several factors. Including virus variants making strides. In fact, the UK variant is now the dominant coronavirus strain in America.

Another factor is pandemic fatigue. Some people are getting tired of being careful.

Health organizations say wearing facemasks helps limit the spread. Anything blocking airborne droplets from traveling from an infected person to a healthy person would logically help.

Yet 12 states have dropped their facemask mandates this year. Nearly another dozen never had facemask mandates.

In a moment I’m going to give you a current state-by-state look at these mandates. Then I’m going to provide you with a chance to voice your opinion on this subject.

No One-Size-Fits-All Mask Regulations

There are very few U.S. federal mandates for face mask wearing during this pandemic. Everyone is required to wear a face covering while using public transportation. And while inside public transportation hubs.

In addition, face masks are required for people when inside federal buildings and on all federal lands. Other than that, it is up to state governments to determine when and wear face masks are required.

Even in states with mandates, the details can differ significantly. Some require face coverings every time someone leaves their home. Others allow for exceptions based on social distancing protocols.

In a number of states where there is no state mandate, individual cities and counties may impose mask mandates. In no state are children under the age of 2 required to wear a mask, per the CDC.  

State-by-State Requirements

Here’s a state-by-state look at facemask mandates, as of this writing. Mandates set to expire soon may be extended.

Alabama – No statewide order.

Alaska – No statewide order.

Arizona – No statewide order.

Arkansas – No statewide order.

California – Residents have been required to wear masks since June in “most settings outside the home.”

Colorado – Residents are required to wear masks until May 3, but rules are eased in areas with low virus rates.

Connecticut – Residents have been required to mask up for the past year.

Delaware – Residents have been required to wear masks since December.

District of Columbia – Residents have been required to wear masks since July.

Florida – No statewide order.

Georgia – No statewide order.

Hawaii – Residents are required to wear masks while inside businesses.

Idaho – No statewide order.

Illinois – Residents are required to wear masks in public.

Indiana – No statewide order.

Iowa – No statewide order.

Kansas – No statewide order.

Kentucky – Residents are required to wear masks through at least April 30.

Louisiana – Residents are required to wear masks through at least April 28.

Maine – Residents have been required to wear a mask since May 2020.

Maryland – Residents have been required to wear a mask for the past year.

Massachusetts – Residents have been required to wear a mask for nearly a year.

Michigan – Residents have been required to wear a mask since October.

Minnesota – Residents have been required to wear a mask since July.

Mississippi – No statewide order.

Missouri – No statewide order.

Montana – No statewide order.

Nebraska – No statewide order.

Nevada – Residents have been required to wear a mask since June.

New Hampshire – Residents have been required to wear masks since November.

New Jersey – Residents have been required to wear a mask since July.

New Mexico – Residents have been required to wear a mask since May 2020.

New York – Residents have been required to wear a mask for the past year.

North Carolina – Residents are required to wear masks through at least April 30.

North Dakota – No statewide order.

Ohio – Residents have been required to wear a mask since July.

Oklahoma – No statewide order.

Oregon – Residents have been required to wear a mask since July.

Pennsylvania – Residents have been required to wear a mask since July.

Rhode Island – Residents have been required to wear a mask for the past year.

South Carolina – No statewide order.

South Dakota – No statewide order.

Tennessee – No statewide order.

Texas – No statewide order.

Utah – No statewide order. Their mandate ended April 10.

Vermont – Residents have been required to wear a mask since August.

Virginia – Residents have been required to wear a mask for the past year.

Washington – Residents have been required to wear a mask since June.

West Virginia – Residents have been required to wear a mask since July.

Wisconsin – No statewide order.

Wyoming – No statewide order.

What Do You Think?

As promised, here’s a chance for you to chime in.

Do you believe there should be a federal mandate requiring everyone to wear face masks in public?

Or do you believe this type of mandate should be left up to individual states?

Or do you believe there should be no face mask mandates anywhere in the U.S.?

I realize this subject can be controversial. It lends itself to strong opinions. But let’s be civil with our comments and respectful of others’ opinions. Hope to hear from you about this.