Wolf expands mask order, wants new restrictions to be local
4 years, 6 months ago

Wolf expands mask order, wants new restrictions to be local

Associated Press  

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration moved Wednesday to expand its indoor mask order to public places outdoors where social-distancing is impossible, while he also said that he prefers to let Pennsylvania’s local governments handle further coronavirus restrictions, as opposed to the broad shutdown orders he imposed this spring. that when we say, ‘we wear masks,’ that’s one way we’re going to reduce the risk of infecting other people,” Wolf said at a news conference Wednesday just before his administration announced it was expanding the mask order. Wolf’s broader mask order boosts Pennsylvania into the ranks of about 13 other states, according to information from the National Governors Association, as more states move aggressively to adopt such a requirement. Separately, Wolf said that he does not envision another broad shutdown order to contain the coronavirus in Pennsylvania and, rather, hopes to leave those more “surgically precise ways of dealing with problems” to local governments.

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History of this topic

Why no one is talking about new mask rules even as COVID-19 rises in L.A.
1 year, 4 months ago

Why no one is talking about new mask rules even as COVID-19 rises in L.A.

LA Times  

Despite rising coronavirus outbreaks across Los Angeles County, officials said they have no plans for new public mask mandates — a sign of how COVID-19 policies have changed in an era of plentiful vaccines, lower death rates and back-to-normal culture. “We have such good tools right now that we really shouldn’t get there.” California COVID outbreaks hit workplaces, schools across …

CDC recommends 6 Washington counties should wear masks again
2 years, 6 months ago

CDC recommends 6 Washington counties should wear masks again

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Ore. — People in six Washington counties should begin wearing masks indoors in public and on public transportation again, according to recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The latest information from the CDC shows that Lewis County, Pacific County, Thurston County, Grays Harbor County, Garfield County and Spokane County all have COVID-19 community levels rated …

A third of US should be considering masks, officials say
2 years, 7 months ago

A third of US should be considering masks, officials say

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — COVID-19 cases are increasing in the United States — and could get even worse over the coming months, federal health officials warned Wednesday in urging areas hardest hit to consider reissuing calls for indoor masking. “Prior increases of infections, in different waves of infection, have demonstrated that this travels across the country,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC …

Creeping COVID-19 cases result in few schools mask mandates
2 years, 7 months ago

Creeping COVID-19 cases result in few schools mask mandates

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy U.S. COVID-19 cases are up, …

Even as COVID cases rise, mask mandates stay shelved
2 years, 8 months ago

Even as COVID cases rise, mask mandates stay shelved

LA Times  

The CDC urges people to mask up in indoor public places where cases are rising, but few local jurisdictions are bringing back requirements. In New York City, cases are again rising and this week crossed the city’s threshold for “medium risk” due to the widening spread of the Omicron subvariant knowns as BA.2. “I don’t anticipate many places, if any, …

Even as COVID cases rise, mask mandates stay shelved
2 years, 8 months ago

Even as COVID cases rise, mask mandates stay shelved

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — An increase in COVID-19 infections around the U.S. has sent more cities into new high-risk categories that are supposed to trigger indoor mask wearing, but much of the country is stopping short of bringing back restrictions amid deep pandemic fatigue. In New York City, cases are again rising and this week crossed the city’s threshold for “medium …

Philadelphia to restore indoor mask mandate as cases rise
2 years, 8 months ago

Philadelphia to restore indoor mask mandate as cases rise

Associated Press  

Philadelphia became the first major U.S. city to reinstate its indoor mask mandate on Monday after reporting a sharp increase in coronavirus infections, with the city’s top health official saying she wanted to forestall a potential new wave driven by an omicron subvariant. PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia said Friday that while it expects some increased transmission in the …

Philadelphia becomes first major U.S. city to restore indoor mask mandate
2 years, 8 months ago

Philadelphia becomes first major U.S. city to restore indoor mask mandate

LA Times  

Philadelphia became the first major U.S. city to reinstate its indoor mask mandate on Monday after reporting a sharp increase in coronavirus infections, with the city’s top health official saying she wanted to forestall a potential new wave driven by an Omicron subvariant. In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has paused his push to unwind many of the city’s …

Hawaii will drop its mask mandate this month, the last state in the nation to do so
2 years, 10 months ago

Hawaii will drop its mask mandate this month, the last state in the nation to do so

CNN  

CNN — Hawaii’s mask mandate will expire March 25, Gov. “It’s taken the entire community to get to this point – with lowered case counts and hospitalizations,” Ige said in a tweet. He added in another tweet: “If we see another surge, we will be ready to reinstitute the mask policy, if needed.” The mandate will come to an end …

US covid restrictions: Boston and Hawaii join states and major cities lifting requirements
2 years, 10 months ago

US covid restrictions: Boston and Hawaii join states and major cities lifting requirements

CNN  

CNN — As the number of new Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations slowly falls, cities and states are loosening vaccine and mask requirements. “As of today, our public health data show that Boston is officially below the 3 critical thresholds for heightened Covid protections, so we are lifting the proof of vaccination requirement,” Wu said in a tweet. Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, …

Washington state to lift indoor mask mandate March 21
2 years, 10 months ago

Washington state to lift indoor mask mandate March 21

Associated Press  

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington’s statewide indoor mask mandate, one of the few left in the country, will lift in most places on March 21, including at schools and child care facilities, Gov. Inslee said that the late March date to lift the mask mandate is based on hospital admission projections. “And when we make decisions, it seems to me we …

Companies revert to more normal operations as COVID wanes
2 years, 10 months ago

Companies revert to more normal operations as COVID wanes

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — For the first time in two years for many people, the American workplace is transforming into something that resembles pre-pandemic days. That’s a stark reversal from just weeks ago when the omicron variant of COVID-19 was peaking, prompting companies to double-down on mask requirements and enforce daily health screenings while delaying return-to-office plans for remote workers. Brian …

Federal health officials say they will soon update COVID-19 masking guidance
2 years, 10 months ago

Federal health officials say they will soon update COVID-19 masking guidance

LA Times  

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, shown testifying before Congress in November, told reporters on Wednesday that her agency would soon issue new guidance on mask-wearing. Federal health officials said Wednesday that they will soon update their guidance on mask wearing, even as several states have recently dialed back mandates requiring people to wear face coverings while indoors. In a White …

More COVID-19 rules fall as CDC hints at better times ahead
2 years, 10 months ago

More COVID-19 rules fall as CDC hints at better times ahead

LA Times  

Customers eat at the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia on Feb. 16, 2022. The nation’s leading health officials said Wednesday that the U.S. is moving closer to the point that COVID-19 is no longer a “constant crisis” as more cities, businesses and sports venues began lifting pandemic restrictions around the country. Philadelphia officials said Wednesday the city’s vaccine mandate for …

From New York to Nevada, how US is bidding farewell to COVID-19 restrictions
2 years, 10 months ago

From New York to Nevada, how US is bidding farewell to COVID-19 restrictions

Firstpost  

Seeing a drop in coronavirus infections and hospitalisations, several states, including Nevada, New York and Illinois have ended mask mandates for indoor settings Coronavirus restrictions are slowly being phased out of the United States of America. With the Omicron wave of COVID-19 subsiding, several US states, including Nevada, New York and Illinois have ended mask mandates this week for indoor …

COVID conflict: Democratic governors skip ahead of Biden and CDC on easing mask mandates
2 years, 10 months ago

COVID conflict: Democratic governors skip ahead of Biden and CDC on easing mask mandates

LA Times  

Kathy Hochul listens as President Biden speaks during a meeting with the National Governors Assn. “Governors are picking up on a sense that voters simply won’t tolerate mask mandates any longer,” said Julia Lynch, a political scientist at the University of Pennsylvania. The administration continues to recommend indoor masking in areas of high transmission, which, according to White House Press …

Here’s why mask mandates are falling across the US
2 years, 10 months ago

Here’s why mask mandates are falling across the US

Associated Press  

As the omicron wave of the coronavirus subsides, several U.S. states including Nevada, New York and Illinois ended mask mandates this week for indoor settings, while others lifted requirements at schools. Steve Sisolak said the requirement for masks in public places would be lifted “effective immediately.” State casino regulators quickly followed with an order eliminating the mandate for casinos “unless …

New York letting broad mask mandate expire, but not in schools
2 years, 11 months ago

New York letting broad mask mandate expire, but not in schools

LA Times  

“Given the declining cases, given the declining hospitalizations, that is why we feel comfortable to lift this, in effect tomorrow,” Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that the state will end a COVID-19 mandate requiring face coverings in most indoor public settings, but will keep masking rules in schools for now. The Barclays Center, where the Brooklyn Nets play, said masks …

California Will Lift Mask Mandate As Omicron Cases Fall
2 years, 11 months ago

California Will Lift Mask Mandate As Omicron Cases Fall

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California will end its indoor masking requirement for vaccinated people next week but masks still are the rule for schoolchildren, state health officials announced Monday amid rapidly falling coronavirus cases. Local governments can continue their own indoor masking requirements and last week Los Angeles County’s health officials said they intend to keep theirs in …

Indoor mask rules are back in New York state as cases surge
3 years ago

Indoor mask rules are back in New York state as cases surge

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — A mask mandate for shops and other indoor spaces in New York state took effect Monday as officials confront a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. But Republicans in a few counties, including Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell and Rockland County Executive Ed Day, have said they won’t redirect local health department …

New York’s COVID surge is back — and so is its mask mandate
3 years ago

New York’s COVID surge is back — and so is its mask mandate

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Facing a cold-weather surge in COVID-19 infections, New York Gov. Hochul said the decision to reinstitute a mask mandate was based on a rising number of cases and hospitalizations, which has been especially pronounced in parts of upstate New York. “We’re entering a time of uncertainty and we could either plateau here or our cases could get …

New York’s COVID surge is back — and so is its mask mandate
3 years, 1 month ago

New York’s COVID surge is back — and so is its mask mandate

LA Times  

Kathy Hochul speaks at an event Friday in New York. Hochul said the decision to reinstitute a mask mandate was based on a rising number of cases and hospitalizations, which has been especially pronounced in parts of upstate New York. “We’re entering a time of uncertainty and we could either plateau here or our cases could get out of control,” …

Wolf expects to let schools set masking rules in January
3 years, 2 months ago

Wolf expects to let schools set masking rules in January

Associated Press  

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania school districts will be allowed to modify or end the mask mandate for K-12 students in January, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday, saying it is “time to prepare for a transition back to a more normal setting.” The Democratic governor said that, on Jan. 17, he expects to turn over decisions about masking to local school …

Pennsylvania appeals court takes up school mask challenge
3 years, 2 months ago

Pennsylvania appeals court takes up school mask challenge

Associated Press  

A Pennsylvania appeals court heard arguments Wednesday on whether the Wolf administration had the legal right to impose a mask mandate on K-12 schools and child care facilities to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The state’s acting health secretary ordered students, teachers and staff to wear face coverings when inside, reversing course after Gov. Plaintiffs’ lawyers contend, among …

Oregon issues mask mandate and warns of hospital crisis amid COVID surge
3 years, 4 months ago

Oregon issues mask mandate and warns of hospital crisis amid COVID surge

LA Times  

Kate Brown, shown in 2020, has announced that everyone 5 and older will be required to wear masks in indoor public spaces. Kate Brown has announced a statewide indoor mask requirement in Oregon as COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases reach record high numbers in the state and healthcare systems are overwhelmed. “Masks are simple, and they are effective.” Oregon is the …

Mask foes at risk after virus case at Missouri meeting
3 years, 5 months ago

Mask foes at risk after virus case at Missouri meeting

Associated Press  

— At least one of the people who were at a boisterous St. Louis County Council meeting last week where many people spoke out against the county’s new mask requirement has COVID-19, an official said Monday, noting that contact tracers were trying to determine if other attendees were infected. Many of those who were at last Tuesday’s meeting ignored the …

New CDC guidelines set off rush to reimpose mask mandates
3 years, 5 months ago

New CDC guidelines set off rush to reimpose mask mandates

Associated Press  

New guidance from the federal government set off a cascade of mask rules across the nation Wednesday as cities, states, schools and businesses raced to restore mandates and others pushed back against the guidelines at a time when Americans are exhausted and confused over constantly shifting pandemic measures. It’s my choice.” And in New Orleans, Lisa Beaudean said she was …

New CDC guidelines set off rush to reimpose mask mandates in US
3 years, 5 months ago

New CDC guidelines set off rush to reimpose mask mandates in US

Hindustan Times  

States and businesses scrambled Wednesday to change course after the federal government issued new guidance calling for the return of mask wearing in virus hot spots amid a dramatic spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations nationwide. “If they do, that’s the protection.” The CDC's new guidance applies to places with at least 50 new cases per 100,000 people in the …

Many Americans were looking forward to a carefree summer. But Covid measures are creeping back into our reality
3 years, 5 months ago

Many Americans were looking forward to a carefree summer. But Covid measures are creeping back into our reality

CNN  

CNN — Across America, there’s a grim sense of déjà vu. Pediatric physician’s assistant Amanda Knowles said she supported it because “we have a duty to protect our children who do not have the option to be vaccinated at this point.” In Missouri, the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County said that starting Monday, masks will be required …

Will anyone enforce L.A. County’s new indoor mask mandate?
3 years, 5 months ago

Will anyone enforce L.A. County’s new indoor mask mandate?

LA Times  

Barista Ava Dorny, 15, wears a face mask as she works at Charlie’s Coffee House on Sunday in South Pasadena. County officials also have indicated they won’t take a punitive approach to face-covering scofflaws, with health officer Dr. Muntu Davis saying, “We will continue to go out and educate. It’s not something we really want to have to do in …

Many Californians keep masks on as economy reopens, saying better safe than sorry
3 years, 6 months ago

Many Californians keep masks on as economy reopens, saying better safe than sorry

LA Times  

For the first time in over a year, Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant in L.A. preps food for in-person dining Tuesday. “Right now, there are just too many unvaccinated people to not ask our customers to wear masks,” said restaurant general manager Jorge Jimenez, 35. “Honestly, I still think it’s way too early,” Ramon said of lifting the mask mandate. “I was surprised …

Don’t throw away that mask just yet. California won’t lift COVID-19 rules for another month
3 years, 7 months ago

Don’t throw away that mask just yet. California won’t lift COVID-19 rules for another month

LA Times  

There was growing pushback against immediately lifting COVID-19 mask rules for vaccinated people Monday, with California deciding it would keep its policies in place for another month as a rising number of experts over the weekend said it was prudent for everyone to stay masked indoors for a bit more time. “But a few more weeks — until folks who …

No more mask mandate, but some Minnesotans will keep them
3 years, 7 months ago

No more mask mandate, but some Minnesotans will keep them

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — On the first day that Minnesotans could go without a mask in public, Amber Raitz wasn’t about to do so. Tim Walz dropping the state’s mask requirement in public spaces, but Raitz, 48, said Friday that she plans to keep her mask on in public mainly to make people around her less nervous. Walz’s move to end the …

The Latest: Colo. governor extends statewide mask mandate
3 years, 8 months ago

The Latest: Colo. governor extends statewide mask mandate

Associated Press  

DENVER — Colorado’s governor has extended a statewide mask mandate for another 30 days, but loosened face covering requirements for groups who are vaccinated against COVID-19. ___ THE VIRUS OUTBREAK: — India’s leader weakened by coronavirus crisis as nation sets record for daily cases — U.S. public transit hopes to win back riders after crushing year — Puerto Rico staggers …

Following CDC, Pennsylvania revises masking order
3 years, 8 months ago

Following CDC, Pennsylvania revises masking order

Associated Press  

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania revised its mask mandate on Tuesday to bring it in line with new federal recommendations that say fully vaccinated people don’t have to wear them outside anymore unless they’re at a crowded event. The CDC said Tuesday that people do not have to wear masks outdoors when they walk, bike or run alone or with members …

US health agency orders travellers wear masks on public transport
3 years, 11 months ago

US health agency orders travellers wear masks on public transport

Al Jazeera  

CDC order comes as Biden administration seeks to stem high COVID-19 case numbers amid discovery of new virus variants. People across the United States will soon be required to wear masks on nearly all forms of public transportation, including planes, subways and buses, as the country grapples with high COVID-19 infection rates and growing concerns over new variants of the …

Covid-19 pandemic: As hospitals start to max out, medical workers beg for help
4 years, 1 month ago

Covid-19 pandemic: As hospitals start to max out, medical workers beg for help

CNN  

CNN — Dr. Cleavon Gilman served in the Iraq War, but he said that doesn’t compare to the battle he’s fighting as an emergency room physician in Arizona. But since there are only 17 rooms in the emergency department, “you’ve got people in the hall.” Nurse Cynthia Butler, in a photo from before the pandemic, said she's terrified of getting …

Some GOP governors shift on mask mandates as hospitals fill
4 years, 1 month ago

Some GOP governors shift on mask mandates as hospitals fill

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “If Iowans don’t buy into this, we lose.” Reynolds is joining Republican governors in …

Statewide mask mandate to take effect as virus cases hit 80K
4 years, 5 months ago

Statewide mask mandate to take effect as virus cases hit 80K

Associated Press  

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Hours before a statewide mask mandate was to go into effect Thursday, the Ohio Department of Health reported 1,444 reported daily cases — a number higher than the state’s 21-day average. The statewide mask order that goes into effect 6 p.m. Thursday is necessary to slow the growth of the virus, officials said, and follows experts’ guidance …

Indiana governor imposing statewide face mask order
4 years, 5 months ago

Indiana governor imposing statewide face mask order

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana will have a statewide face mask mandate starting next week, joining many other states in similar orders aimed at slowing the coronavirus spread, Gov. Holcomb said a renewed growth in the number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations across Indiana necessitated the mask order after he had started easing business and travel restrictions in early May. “We don’t …

Ohio governor: Masks must be worn statewide, starts Thursday
4 years, 5 months ago

Ohio governor: Masks must be worn statewide, starts Thursday

Associated Press  

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A mandatory mask order will be expanded statewide across Ohio to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. The mask mandate takes effect Thursday evening for everyone age 10 and older when they’re out in public or in places where they can’t follow social distancing rules, DeWine said. The Republican governor’s first try at a statewide requirement …

More Than 20 U.S. States Now Require Face Masks In Public
4 years, 6 months ago

More Than 20 U.S. States Now Require Face Masks In Public

NPR  

More Than 20 U.S. States Now Require Face Masks In Public Enlarge this image toggle caption David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images More than 20 states have now issued orders requiring people to wear face masks in public as the rate of new coronavirus cases surges to record heights in parts of the United …

Wolf’s mask order inflames partisan fight over virus
4 years, 6 months ago

Wolf’s mask order inflames partisan fight over virus

Associated Press  

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Gov. Tom Wolf’s more expansive mask order issued this week as the coronavirus shows new signs of life in Pennsylvania and the July Fourth holiday starts has been met with hostility from Republicans objecting to the Democrat’s use of power or even to wearing a mask itself. “What we’re disputing is by using his emergency powers, this …

Kansas governor mandates statewide use of masks
4 years, 6 months ago

Kansas governor mandates statewide use of masks

Associated Press  

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. — Kansas Gov. “We have now enough data to really prove that masks work and no masks don’t work,” Kelly said. “I think it is in everybody’s interest.” Kelly said the state has not seen clusters in places like barbershops, hair salons or dental offices where masks are worn, but has seen a significant increase in places …

Two northern Indiana counties take action on face masks
4 years, 6 months ago

Two northern Indiana counties take action on face masks

Associated Press  

— Two adjacent northern Indiana counties have implemented or extended orders requiring people to wear face masks to impede the spread of the coronavirus. Elkhart County’s health officer, Dr. Lydia Mertz announced a new open-ended order beginning Tuesday at 12 a.m. requiring masks when 6-foot social distancing can’t be maintained indoors and in outdoor public areas. Meanwhile, St. Joseph County’s …

North Carolina requires face coverings statewide
4 years, 6 months ago

North Carolina requires face coverings statewide

Associated Press  

North Carolina’s governor announced Wednesday that people across the state must wear masks or other face coverings in public as he extended other business restrictions by three weeks amid a surge in cases of COVID-19. Roy Cooper issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings in public when it’s not possible to maintain physical distance. Violations of Cooper’s …

US Coronavirus: face masks deepen political divide
4 years, 6 months ago

US Coronavirus: face masks deepen political divide

Al Jazeera  

Shouting matches erupt in the halls of US Congress after leaders mandate that lawmakers cover their faces in public. For thousands of people gathered in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday for President Donald Trump’s first political rally since the coronavirus pandemic erupted four months ago, a precaution as simple as wearing a face mask in public is not as simple as …

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