As omicron fades and scientists consider when to declare COVID-19 endemic — and, therefore, here to stay — in the United States, governors in 10 states last week leapfrogged federal recommendations and dropped mask mandates.
One by one, governors and health officials in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Rhode Island broke ranks and announced an end date for masking requirements in indoor public spaces such as grocery stores and restaurants and, in some cases, schools. They were joined this week by District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat.
Cities, counties and school districts are free to maintain their own restrictions and requirements in those states.
