As states across the U.S. begin lifting indoor mask mandates for the fully vaccinated, there's widespread confusion. Both businesses and customers are struggling over their decisions on mask-wearing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says vaccinated people still must follow existing state, local or tribal laws on masks and social distancing.
A study published Friday in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that cases and deaths decreased after states enacted mask mandates and increased after they reopened on-premises dining.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says his order ensures "that all businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny." Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves tweeted: "It is time!"
Despite widespread resistance, Washington, Mo., became the latest community to flip its stance on mask wearing. The change came when the deaths hit close to home.
In Kansas City, hospitals are treating local COVID-19 patients as well as patients transferred from rural counties in Missouri and Kansas, where there's no mandate or culture for wearing masks.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, co-chair of President-elect Joe Biden's coronavirus advisory board, says past lockdowns functioned like a "blunt axe" that led to spotty compliance and "little public health gain."
Gov. Gary Herbert has declared a new state of emergency, limiting social gatherings and putting K-12 extracurricular activities on hold for the next two weeks.
A conservative group challenged Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' authority to declare successive states of emergency. St. Croix County Judge Michael Waterman refuses its request for an injunction.
Gov. Tate Reeves announced on Tuesday that masks will be mandatory statewide for two weeks, and school districts in eight hard-hit counties must delay their in-person reopening until August 17.
The airlines will require all customers over the age of 2 to wear face coverings on board and at airports, with no exceptions. They say people who don't comply won't be allowed to fly as next week.
How can communities stop coronavirus case surges without crushing the economy? Some scientists say widespread mask wearing may be more than a helpful precaution — it may be the solution.
The governors of Minnesota, Ohio and Indiana said they would require people to wear face coverings in public, and in the East, Mayor Muriel Bowser expanded mask requirements in Washington, D.C.
