These states are rolling back Covid restrictions, including mask mandates, indoor capacity caps
These states joined several others in loosening statewide coronavirus restrictions in early 2021.
“We need to get past Easter,” Ivey said, adding that Alabama would not follow other states and immediately end restrictions without allowing more time for “more Alabamians to get their first shot.”
“Folks, we are not there yet, but goodness knows we’re getting closer,” Ivey said.
Republican Gov. Tate Reeves announced the end of Mississippi’s statewide mask mandate this week.
Starting tomorrow, we are lifting all of our county mask mandates and businesses will be able to operate at full capacity without any state-imposed rules. Our hospitalizations and case numbers have plummeted, and the vaccine is being rapidly distributed. It is time!
Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte announced the end of Montana’s statewide mask mandate on Feb. 12, though several local jurisdictions have kept them in place.
The state’s mask mandate was first enacted in July 2020 by Gianforte’s Democratic predecessor, former Gov. Steve Bullock.
The executive order still recommends that face coverings be worn in restaurants and anywhere people can’t stay 6 feet apart. It will be up to administrative officials and restaurant operators to develop their own Covid-19 guidelines.
The Lone Star State’s mask mandate came into effect in July and will end on March 10, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced at a press conference this week.
Abbott said that “too many Texans were sidelined from employment opportunities” while businesses operate at reduced capacity because of coronavirus restrictions.
“We absolutely expect you to continue to wear your mask,” Justice said. “We are not backing off of our mask mandate at this time.”
“I can’t stand these masks myself, I get that and everything, none of us can,” Justice said. But he warned that seeing “one robin” fly by does not mean winter is over.
“Let’s just don’t get too anxious to lift everything away and then get some level of whiplash that really hurts us,” Justice said.
Category: Science
Source: NBC