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State-level mask requirements in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2022
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, some states introduced requirements for individuals to wear face coverings when in public. This page compiles those restrictions introduced at a state level.
For the purposes of this page, we did not include coverage of face-covering requirements that were restricted to certain localities or regions within a state.
In this article, you will find:
- A map of mask orders
- A timeline of mask orders
- Orders by state
- Arguments about mask requirements
- General resources for citizens
Map of mask orders
Hawaii was the last state to lift its statewide mask order on March 26, 2022. The map below details face-covering requirements by state along with the governor's party.
The table below is sorted by mask order end dates, followed by mask order start dates for states that still have orders. To sort by another column, click a column header.
| Statewide mask orders | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| State | Effective | Number of days effective | Type of order ending the mandate |
| Hawaii | April 20, 2020 - March 26, 2022 | 704 days | Executive order |
| Oregon | July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021; August 13, 2021 - March 12, 2022 | 365 days; 212 days | Executive order; Executive order |
| Washington | June 26 , 2020 - March 12, 2022 | 625 days | Executive order |
| California | June 18, 2020 - March 1, 2022 | 622 days | Executive order |
| Illinois | May 1, 2020 - June 11, 2021; August 30, 2021 - February 28, 2022 | 407 days; 183 days | Executive order; Executive order |
| Connecticut | April 17, 2020 - February 28, 2022 | 683 days | Executive order |
| New Mexico | May 15, 2020 - February 17, 2022 | 644 days | Executive order |
| Delaware | May 1, 2020 - May 21, 2021; January 11, 2022 - February 11, 2022 | 386 days; 32 days | Executive order; Executive order |
| Rhode Island | April 20, 2020 - July 6, 2021; December 20, 2021 - February 11, 2022 | 442 days; 54 days | Executive order; Executive order |
| Nevada | June 25, 2020 - February 10, 2022 | 596 days | Executive order |
| New York | April 15, 2020 - January 25, 2022; January 25, 2022 - February 10, 2022 | 650 days; 16 days | Court order; Executive order |
| Louisiana | July 13, 2020 - April 28, 2021; August 2, 2021 - October 26, 2021 | 290 days; 86 days | Executive order; Executive order |
| Pennsylvania | April 17, 2020 - June 28, 2021 | 438 days | Executive order |
| Michigan | April 26, 2020 - June 22, 2021 | 423 days | Executive order |
| West Virginia | July 7, 2020 - June 20, 2021 | 349 days | Executive order |
| Vermont | August 1, 2020 - June 14, 2021 | 318 days | Executive order |
| Kentucky | July 10, 2020 - June 11, 2021 | 337 days | Executive order |
| Ohio | July 23, 2020 - June 2, 2021 | 315 days | Executive order |
| Massachusetts | May 6, 2020 - May 29, 2021 | 388 days | Executive order |
| New Jersey | April 10, 2020 - May 28, 2021 | 414 days | Executive order |
| Maine | May 1, 2020 - May 24, 2021 | 389 days | Executive order |
| Virginia | May 29, 2020 - May 15, 2021 | 351 days | Executive order |
| Maryland | April 18, 2020 - May 15, 2021 | 393 days | Executive order |
| Colorado | July 17, 2020 - May 14, 2021 | 302 days | Executive order |
| Minnesota | July 25, 2020 - May 14, 2021 | 294 days | Executive order |
| North Carolina | June 26, 2020 - May 14, 2021 | 323 days | Executive order |
| New Hampshire | November 20, 2020 - April 16, 2021 | 148 days | Executive order |
| Utah | November 9, 2020 - April 10, 2021 | 153 days | Legislative action |
| Alabama | July 16, 2020 - April 9, 2021 | 268 days | Executive order |
| Indiana | July 27, 2020 - April 6, 2021 | 254 days | Executive order |
| Kansas | July 3, 2020 - April 1, 2021 | 273 days | Executive order |
| Wisconsin | August 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021 | 242 days | Court order |
| Arkansas | July 20, 2020 - March 30, 2021 | 254 days | Legislative action |
| Wyoming | December 9, 2020 - March 16, 2021 | 97 days | Executive order |
| Texas | July 3, 2020 - March 10, 2021 | 250 days | Executive order |
| Montana | July 15, 2020 - February 12, 2021 | 212 days | Executive order |
| Iowa | November 17, 2020 - February 7, 2021 | 82 days | Executive order |
| North Dakota | November 14, 2020 - January 18, 2021 | 65 days | Executive order |
| Mississippi | August 5, 2020 - September 30, 2020 | 56 days | Executive order |
Mask requirements over time
Cumulative length of statewide mask requirements
Mask maps by month
This section compares state mask mandates nationwide across months from August 2020 to April 2022. Use the arrows located in the bottom right of the embedded spreadsheet to navigate to more recent months. If the arrows don't appear, try refreshing the page.
Mask orders by state
Each section below contains more specific information about each state that issued a face-covering requirement.
Alabama
On July 15, Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced a mask order, effective on July 16, requiring face coverings in public when social distancing with non-household members cannot be kept.
The mask order ended April 9, 2021.
Alaska
Alaska did not issue a statewide mask requirement.
Arizona
Arizona did not issue a statewide mask requirement.
Arkansas
On July 16, 2020, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) signed an executive order, effective July 20, requiring individuals to wear masks in public when social distancing is not possible.
Hutchinson lifted the mandate March 30, 2021.
California
On June 18, 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed an executive order requiring individuals to wear face coverings when outside the home. The California Department of Public Health issued guidance on the use of face coverings, instructing citizens on general usage and exceptions. That guidance is embedded below.
Fully vaccinated residents became exempt from the statewide mask mandate starting June 15, 2021.
On Dec. 13, the California Department of Health announced a new statewide indoor mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals would take effect on Dec. 15.[4] The requirement only applied to local health jurisdictions that did not previously have a universal indoor mask requirement, meaning the order did not affect localities with pre-existing universal mask requirements.[5]
On Jan. 5, 2022, the California Department of Health extended the state's indoor mask requirement through Feb. 15.[6] On Feb. 7, Newsom announced vaccinated individuals would become exempt from the indoor mask requirement on Feb. 15.[7] On Feb. 28, Newsom announced the state would end its mask requirement for unvaccinated individuals on March 1.[8]
Colorado
Gov. Jared Polis (D) issued a mask mandate effective at midnight on July 17, requiring individuals older than 10 to wear a mask inside buildings that are open to the public.[9]
On May 2, 2021, Polis lifted the requirement for people to wear masks in indoor spaces with more than 10 people if 80% of those individuals were fully vaccinated. The order did not say what proof was necessary to demonstrate vaccination status.[10]
Polis ended the statewide mask requirement on May 14. At the time, masks were still required for unvaccinated visitors to nursing homes, prisons, and hospitals, and in certain school settings. Vaccinated and unvaccinated people were still required to comply with federal law, which still required masking on public transportation and at public transportation hubs like bus stations and airports at that time.[11]
Connecticut
On April 17, 2020, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) signed an executive order requiring individuals to wear face coverings in public when close contact was unavoidable.
Starting May 19, fully vaccinated people did not have to wear masks in most indoor public settings. Unvaccinated residents still had to wear masks in public indoor areas. Vaccinated individuals still needed to wear masks on public transportation, at places where medical care was offered (like doctor’s offices and hospitals), and at public transportation hubs (like bus stations and airports).
On Feb. 7, 2022, Lamont announced he would end the statewide mask requirement on Feb. 28.[12]
Delaware
Delaware's face-covering requirement took effect at 8:00 a.m. on April 28, 2020. The Department of Justice released a set of frequently asked questions related to the requirement that outlines when face coverings were required and what exceptions were allowed. You can see those questions here.
On May 18, 2021, Carney signed an order ending the statewide mask requirement, effective May 21. In his order, he said masks were still required in state offices open to the public, schools and childcare centers, on public transportation, and in health care settings. The order also strongly encouraged unvaccinated individuals to continue wearing masks in indoor businesses and public settings in compliance with CDC guidelines at the time.[13][14]
On January 10, 2022, Carney signed an order requiring masks in indoor public settings, effective January 11.[15] On February 7, Carney announced the statewide mask requirement would end on February 11.[16]
Florida
Florida did not issue a statewide mask requirement.
Georgia
On July 15, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued an order preventing local governments from issuing mask requirements. The action voided 15 previously implemented local orders in the state.
On Aug. 15, Kemp signed an executive order allowing local governments to enact mask mandates. The order prevented local mandates from resulting in fines or penalties against private businesses or organizations and limits penalties against individuals to $50.[17]
Hawaii
On June 10, 2020, Gov. David Ige (D) signed the ninth supplementary emergency proclamation, which included a face-covering requirement. On Nov. 16, Ige updated the order to require masks in all public settings except outdoors while social distancing was maintainable. The order also required businesses to deny service to people who refused to wear a mask or face fines or closures. To read the full November 16 order, click here.
On May 25, 2021, Ige ended the outdoor mask requirement for all individuals (vaccinated and unvaccinated). Ige said the indoor mask requirement for all people remained unchanged.[18]
On March 8, 2022, Ige announced the state would lift its statewide indoor mask requirement on March 26.[19]
The June 10 proclamation is embedded below.
Idaho
Idaho did not issue a statewide mask requirement.
On May 28, Gov. Brad Little (R) repealed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin’s (R) executive order banning government entities, including schools, from requiring masks. McGeachin, who was serving as acting governor while Little was out of state at the Republican Governors Association conference, issued the order without informing Little beforehand. McGeachin had said she intended to run for governor in 2022. [20]
Illinois
On April 23, 2020, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) included a face-covering requirement in an extension of the state's stay-at-home order. The Illinois Department of Public Health issued guidance for individuals on the use of face coverings.
Pritzker signed an executive order exempting fully vaccinated individuals from most indoor mask requirements on May 17.
On June 11, 2021, Pritzker ended the statewide mask requirement.[21]
On Aug. 26, Pritzker announced he would reinstate an indoor mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, effective Aug. 30.[22]
On Feb. 9, Pritzker announced he would end the statewide indoor mask requirement on Feb. 28.[23]
Indiana
On July 24, 2020, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) issued a face-covering requirement, effective July 27, requiring anyone eight or older to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces, commercial businesses, transportation services, and in outdoor public spaces when social distancing is not possible.
On March 23, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced he would end the statewide mask mandate and restrictions on businesses starting April 6.
Iowa
Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) issued a face-covering requirement, effective November 10, requiring anyone two or older to wear face masks at indoor events larger than 25 people. The order also required masks at sporting events and in certain businesses (like barbershops),[24]
Reynolds issued an order, effective November 17, requiring everyone two years or older to wear masks in indoor spaces open to the public where they could be within six feet of individuals outside of their household for more than 15 minutes. [25]
On February 7, 2021, Reynolds lifted the statewide public mask requirement.[26]
Reynolds signed a law prohibiting public schools, cities, and counties from issuing mask mandates on May 20. The Iowa House of Representatives passed House Bill 847 53-35 on May 19, while the Senate passed it 29-17 on the same day.
Kansas
Effective July 3, individuals older than five years of age were required to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces and outdoors when social distancing could not be maintained.
On November 18, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) issued an updated public mask order giving localities a week to develop face-covering requirements. The update state order took effect on Nov. 25 in counties that did not set alternative regulations. Under a bill passed earlier in 2020, counties could fully opt out of Kelly’s order at the time she signed the executive order.
The July 3 order can be viewed below.
Kentucky
Effective July 10, 2020, individuals five years of age or older were required to wear face coverings while inside, or waiting in line to enter, any of the following: retail establishments; grocery stores; pharmacies; hair salons/barber shops; nail salons; tattoo parlors; child care facilities; restaurants and bars; health care settings; and any other indoor public spaces. Individuals were also required to wear face coverings while riding in public transit vehicles or other transportation service vehicles (e.g., taxis, ride-sharing vehicles, etc.).
On April 26, 2021, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) lifted the state’s outdoor mask requirement for all events and gatherings with fewer than 1,000 people.
Beshear signed an order exempting fully vaccinated people from wearing masks in most indoor settings on May 13. Beshear also announced he would end the statewide mask requirement for everyone (including unvaccinated people) on June 11.
On June 11, 2021, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) ended the statewide mask requirement.[27]
Louisiana
On July 11, Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) issued an executive proclamation establishing a statewide face-covering requirement. Effective July 13, individuals in Louisiana were required to wear face coverings when in any indoor or outdoor public space. The order exempted children under the age of eight, as well as individuals with medical conditions preventing them from wearing face coverings. The order allowed parishes to opt out if they maintained a COVID-19 incidence rate of fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 people for the previous two weeks.
Edwards lifted the order on April 28, 2021.
On August 2, Edwards announced Louisiana would reinstate the indoor mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals through at least September 1.[28] On Sept. 28, Edwards extended Louisiana’s statewide public indoor mask requirement through Oct. 27.[29] On Oct. 26, Edwards lifted the statewide indoor mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in all settings except for K-12 schools. School districts had the option not to require masks if they followed CDC quarantine guidelines.[30]
Maine
On May 29, 2020, Gov. Janet Mills (D) signed an executive order requiring individuals to wear masks in public.
On November 4, the requirement was extended to require masks in all indoor and outdoor public spaces regardless of social distancing ability. Mills lifted the requirement for people to wear masks in public outdoor spaces effective April 27, 2021.[31]
Mills ended the statewide indoor mask requirement on May 24, 2021. Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew said businesses could require people to show proof of vaccination, but “the state of Maine is not going to enforce this idea of different policies for vaccinated and unvaccinated people, nor do we expect businesses to do so.” The state recommended unvaccinated people continue masking in indoor public spaces. Vaccinated and unvaccinated people still had to wear masks in schools and childcare centers, on public transportation, and in health care settings.[32]
The full May 29 executive order is embedded below.
Maryland
On April 15, 2020, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) signed an executive order including a face-covering requirement for individuals in retail and foodservice businesses and while using public transit. On August 3, the mask mandate was expanded to require everyone older than five to wear masks in all indoor public spaces, including churches, gyms, and stores. On April 29, 2021, Hogan ended the statewide outdoor mask mandate.[33]
On May 15, Hogan ended the statewide mask mandate for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The state still required masks in schools and hospitals, as well as on public transportation.[34]
The August 3 order is embedded below:
Massachusetts
On May 1, 2020, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) signed an executive order requiring individuals to wear masks in public places where social distancing was not possible. On Nov. 2, Baker announced the social distancing exemption would be removed from the order starting Nov. 6.[35]
Gov. Charlie Baker (R) ended the statewide mask mandate on May 29, 2021.[36]
The full May 1 executive order is embedded below.
Michigan
On June 17, 2020, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed an executive order requiring individuals to wear face coverings when entering a food-selling establishment or pharmacy. The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services issued guidance on the use of face coverings, recommending that individuals wear them whenever they leave home.
Michigan Director of the Department of Health and Human Services Elizabeth Hertel issued an order May 4 lifting the outdoor mask requirement for gatherings of fewer than 100 people.
On May 15, Whitmer ended the statewide mask mandate for fully vaccinated people. She also ended the outdoor mask requirement for all people.
On June 22, 2021, Whitmer ended most remaining statewide coronavirus restrictions, including the mask mandate.[37]
Minnesota
On July 22, 2020, Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed an executive order requiring individuals to wear face coverings in indoor businesses and indoor public settings. The order is embedded below.
On May 14, Walz ended the statewide mask mandate.[38]
Mississippi
On July 9, Gov. Tate Reeves (R) issued an executive order requiring individuals in certain counties to wear face masks in public. The order applied to counties with 200 new cases in the past 14 days or with an average of 500 cases per 100,000 residents in the same period.
On August 5, a statewide executive order became effective requiring individuals to wear masks in indoor public spaces and outdoors when social distancing was not possible.
On September 30, Reeves allowed the public mask order to expire but said individuals still had to wear masks in schools and at businesses the state defined as close-contact (like barbershops and salons).[39]
On October 21, Reeves issued an executive order implementing targeted mitigation measures in counties with high rates of coronavirus infection.[40]
On March 3, 2021, Reeves lifted the regional mask order. Below is the original mask order.
Missouri
Missouri did not issue a statewide mask requirement.
Montana
On July 15, Gov. Steve Bullock (D) announced a statewide mask order requiring individuals to wear masks inside certain businesses and at outdoor gatherings of greater than 50 people where social distancing was not possible.
On February 12, 2021, Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) lifted the state's mask requirement.
Nebraska
Nebraska did not issue a statewide mask requirement.
Nevada
On June 24, 2020, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed an executive order requiring individuals to wear face coverings when in public, effective June 25.
On May 13, 2021, Sisolak issued an order exempting vaccinated people from the statewide mask mandate.
On July 27, Sisolak announced a mask mandate, reflecting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated guidance, in counties with “substantial or high transmission” of COVID-19. In those counties, vaccinated and unvaccinated people would be required to wear masks indoors. Sisolak said the order would take effect on July 30.[41]
On Aug. 16, Sisolak announced that large venues that required patrons to be at least partially vaccinated could allow fully vaccinated people to go without masks indoors. Partially vaccinated people would still be required to wear masks.[42]
On Feb. 10, Sisolak announced the statewide mask requirement would end, effective that day.[43]
New Hampshire
On August 11, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) issued an executive order requiring individuals to wear masks when attending scheduled gatherings of greater than 100 people.[44]
On Nov. 20, Sununu expanded the order to require face-coverings in all public places where social distancing could not be maintained.
On April 16, 2021, Sununu lifted the mask requirement order.
New Jersey
On April 8, 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order requiring customers and employees at essential businesses to wear face coverings. To read a full press release from the governor's office with full guidelines and exceptions, click here.
On May 17, Murphy signed an executive order ending the state’s outdoor public mask requirement. The indoor requirement remained in effect for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.[45]
On May 28, the state’s indoor mask requirement ended for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Masks were still required in state offices open to the public, schools and childcare centers, on public transportation, and in health care settings.[46]
New Mexico
On May 15, 2020, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed a modified emergency public health order requiring individuals to wear face coverings in public. To read a full press release from the New Mexico Department of Health with full guidelines and exceptions, click here.
Lujan Grisham announced fully vaccinated individuals did not have to wear masks in most indoor public settings.
On Aug. 17, Lujan Grisham announced the state would re-implement an indoor mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, effective Aug. 20.[47]
On Feb. 17, Lujan Grisham announced the state would lift its indoor mask requirement, effective immediately.[48]
New York
On April 15, 2020, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signed an executive order requiring individuals to wear face coverings in public. On April 27, 2021, Cuomo announced people who were fully vaccinated did not have to wear masks in public outdoor spaces. The New York City Health Department released guidance on face coverings.
Starting May 19, vaccinated people did not have to wear masks in most indoor public settings, aligning the state’s policy with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
On Sept. 15, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced mask requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in several settings, such as state-regulated child care facilities and congregate facilities, such as shelter programs for homeless youth.[49]
On Dec. 10, Hochul announced a new statewide mask requirement would take effect starting Dec. 13. Masks were required regardless of vaccination status at indoor public settings, unless the business or venue required proof of vaccination.[50] On Dec. 31, Hochul extended the mask requirement through Feb. 1, 2022.[51]
On Jan. 24, 2022, Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Thomas Rademaker issued an injunction pausing enforcement of the state's mask requirement, ruling that Hochul did not have authority to enforce it.[52] On Jan. 25, Justice Robert J. Miller of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division 2nd Department granted a stay against the injunction.[53] On Jan. 28, Hochul extended the indoor mask requirement through Feb. 10.[54]
On Feb. 9, Hochul announced the statewide mask requirement would end, effective Feb. 10.[55]
North Carolina
North Carolina's mask order became effective on June 26, requiring individuals to wear masks in indoor public spaces and outdoors when social distancing could not be practiced.
On November 23, the order was updated to require face-coverings in all public spaces and when around people from other households.[56]
On May 14, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) ended the statewide mask mandate for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Masks were still required for all people, regardless of vaccination status, on public transportation and in healthcare settings.[57]
North Dakota
North Dakota's mask order became effective on November 14, 2020, requiring individuals to wear masks in indoor public spaces and outdoors when social distancing could not be practiced. The order was allowed to expire on January 18, 2021.
Ohio
On July 23, 2020, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed an executive order requiring individuals over the age of 10 to wear face coverings in indoor non-residential locations and outdoors when social distancing.
On May 14, DeWine ended the statewide mask mandate for fully vaccinated people.
On June 2, DeWine ended the statewide mask mandate for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.[58]
Oregon
Oregon implemented a statewide mask requirement on July 1. On July 24, the order was updated to require all people five years of age and older to wear masks in indoor public spaces and outdoors when 6-feet social distancing could not be maintained.
On October 19, 2020, the Oregon Health Authority released expanded face-covering guidance requiring employers to provide free masks or face shields to employees at businesses with indoor or outdoor public spaces. The guidance also required individuals to wear face coverings in all workplace settings unless they were alone in an office or isolated workspace, at outdoor street fairs and markets, and at private and public universities.
On May 13, 2021, Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced fully vaccinated individuals did not have to wear masks in most indoor public settings.
On June 30, 2021, Brown ended the statewide mask mandate.[59]
On Aug. 11, 2021, Brown announced a new statewide public indoor mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals would take effect on Aug. 13.[60]
On Aug. 24, Brown announced a statewide public outdoor mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals would take effect on Aug. 27.[61] On Nov. 23, the requirement was lifted.[62]
On Feb. 7, the Oregon Health Authority announced it would lift the statewide indoor mask requirement by March 31.[63] On Feb. 24, the Oregon Health Authority announced it would end the mask requirement on March 19.[64] On Feb. 28, Brown announced the statewide mask requirement would end on March 12.[8]
Oklahoma
Oklahoma did not issue a statewide mask requirement.
Pennsylvania
On July 1, 2020, Health Secretary Rachel Levine signed an executive order requiring individuals to wear face coverings in public.
On May 13, 2021, Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam announced fully vaccinated individuals no longer needed to wear masks in most indoor public settings.
Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam lifted the statewide mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals on June 28, 2021.[65]
Rhode Island
On June 4, 2020, Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) signed an executive order requiring individuals to wear face coverings in public. The Rhode Island Department of Commerce released guidance on face coverings. To view that guidance, click here.
Gov. Dan McKee (D) announced fully vaccinated individuals did not have to wear masks in most indoor public settings starting May 18.
On June 2, McKee ended the statewide outdoor mask mandate for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.[66]
On July 6, McKee signed an executive order ending the statewide mask requirement for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.[67]
On Dec. 15, McKee announced a new statewide mask requirement would go into effect on Dec. 20, 2021. Masks were required regardless of vaccination status at indoor venues with a capacity of 250 or more. For smaller indoor venues and businesses with indoor operations, establishments had to either require masks for all individuals, require vaccines for all individuals, or allow individuals to either wear a mask or show proof of vaccination.[68]
On Feb. 9, McKee announced the state would end its statewide mask requirement on Feb. 11.[69]
South Carolina
Effective August 5, 2020, the state required masks statewide in restaurants, in state government buildings, and at large gathering venues and events like movie theaters, festivals, auditoriums, and concerts.[70]
On March 5, Gov. Henry McMaster (R) amended the state’s coronavirus emergency order, lifting the requirement for people to wear masks at restaurants and in state office buildings.
South Dakota
South Dakota did not issue a statewide mask requirement.
Tennessee
Tennessee did not issue a statewide mask requirement.
Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued a statewide mandate requiring people living in counties with more than 20 coronavirus cases to wear a mask in indoor and outdoor settings when social distancing wasn't possible. Counties with fewer than 20 coronavirus cases could be exempted if they chose to opt out.[71]
Abbott lifted the state's mask requirement effective March 10, 2021. On May 18, 2021, Abbott signed an order prohibiting local governments and public schools from issuing mask mandates. The order exempted prisons, state-run hospitals, and state-supported living centers. The order was scheduled to take effect May 21 for local governments. Public schools could continue their mask policies until June 4.
Utah
On Oct. 13, Gov. Gary Herbert (R) issued updated mask guidance requiring individuals in high and medium transmission-level counties to wear face coverings in all indoor public spaces and outdoors when social distancing could not be practiced. The order said it would only apply to medium transmission counties through Oct. 29. The order also mandated masks statewide in large gathering venues like sports stadiums and movie theaters.[72][73]
On November 9, Herbert implemented a statewide public mask order requiring face coverings in public when social distancing was not maintainable.[74]
On March 24, 2021, Gov. Spencer Cox (R) signed House Bill 294, a law that ended the statewide mask mandate effective April 10, 2021.
Vermont
Gov. Phil Scott (R) issued a statewide mandate requiring people older than the age of two to wear masks in public places. On May 1, Scott lifted the outdoor mask requirement in crowded settings when social distancing was possible.[75]
On May 14, 2021, Scott announced that fully vaccinated individuals would no longer be required to wear masks while indoors.
On June 14, 2021, Scott ended the statewide mask requirement for everyone (including unvaccinated people).[76]
Virginia
On May 27, 2020, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced a statewide mask mandate. The Virginia Department of Health released guidance on face coverings. To view that guidance, click here.
On May 15, 2021, Northam ended the statewide indoor mask mandate. In a statement, Northam said "[t]hose who are unvaccinated or not fully-vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear masks in all settings."[77]
Washington
Gov. Jay Inslee (D) issued a mask mandate requiring people to wear a face covering in indoor and outdoor public spaces. The order did not require masks outdoors if six feet of space could be maintained between people. Children under two were exempt from the mandate.
On April 27, Inslee announced that fully vaccinated individuals would no longer need to wear a mask while gathering or dining outdoors in small groups.[78]
On May 13, Inslee announced that fully vaccinated individuals would no longer be required to wear masks while indoors.
On Aug. 18, Inslee announced that vaccinated and unvaccinated people would be required to wear masks indoors in most circumstances beginning Aug. 23. The requirement did not apply to small gatherings or office environments where everyone was vaccinated and interaction with the public was rare, or while working alone.[79]
On Feb. 9, 2022, Inslee announced the state would lift its outdoor mask requirement on Feb. 18.[80] On Feb. 17, Inslee announced the state would lift its indoor mask requirement on March 21.[81] On Feb. 28, Inslee announced the mask requirement would end on March 12.[8]
West Virginia
On July 6, Gov. Jim Justice (R) issued an executive order requiring everyone over the age of nine to wear a face covering in indoor public places when social distancing wasn't possible. The order was effective July 7.[82] On November 14, Justice updated the order to require masks in public at all times, regardless of social distancing. To read the November 14 order, click here.
On May 14, 2021, Justice announced that fully vaccinated individuals would no longer be required to wear masks while indoors.
On June 20, 2021, Justice ended the statewide indoor mask requirement.[83]
Wisconsin
A mask mandate took effect on Aug. 1, requiring everyone five years of age and older to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces.
On March 31, 2021, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that Gov. Tony Evers (D) overstepped his authority when he declared several states of emergency since the start of the pandemic without input from the legislature. In the majority opinion, Justice Brian Hagedorn wrote that under the relevant state statute, only a joint resolution from the legislature could extend a state of emergency beyond 60 days. Evers first declared a state of emergency in March 2020. The ruling invalidated the state's emergency order, which included the statewide mask mandate.
Wyoming
Gov. Mark Gordon (R) issued a mask order, effective December 9, requiring face coverings in all businesses open to the public, on public transportation, at medical facilities (like hospitals, doctors offices, and veterinary clinics), and in non-federal government buildings.[84] To read the full order, click here.
On March 8, 2021, Gordon announced he would end the statewide mask mandate March 16.
Arguments about mask requirements
State and local government policies around masks during the coronavirus pandemic varied widely. Those policies generated a similar variety of responses from pundits, policymakers, lawmakers, and more. The main areas of disagreement about mask requirements during the coronavirus pandemic are:
General resources
The chart below shows coronavirus statistics from countries across the world. The information is provided by Real Clear Politics.
Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
- U.S. Department of Education
- World Health Organization
- Trends in Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in the US Reported to CDC, by State/Territory
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccinations, Our World in Data (Number of vaccines administered)
- Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker, New York Times (Progress of vaccine trials)
See also
- Documenting America's Path to Recovery
- COVID-19 vaccine distribution
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions
- Officeholders and candidates diagnosed with, dead from, or quarantined because of coronavirus
- Federal government responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
- School responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19 pandemic
- Recalls related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and government responses to the pandemic
Footnotes
- ↑ Virginia is included in the Republican count. A mask order was issued and expired during Gov. Ralph Northam's (D) tenure. Northam was succeeded by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) on January 15, 2022.
- ↑ Louisiana, Oregon, Illinois, Rhode Island, and Delaware.
- ↑ This includes Louisiana, Oregon, Illinois, Rhode Island and Delaware, which ended their first mask requirements through executive orders. They later reinstated mask orders.
- ↑ NBC San Diego, "California Announces Indoor Mask Mandate Regardless of Vaccination Status," December 14, 2021
- ↑ Deadline, "Half Of California’s Counties May Be Exempt From Parts Of Its Universal Indoor Mask Mandate," December 15, 2021
- ↑ KTLA, "California mask mandate extended through Feb. 15," January 5, 2022
- ↑ The Hill, "California to end mask mandate for the vaccinated next week," February 7, 2022
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Politico, "California to drop school mask mandate after March 11," February 28, 2022
- ↑ Denver Post, "Colorado governor issues statewide mask order as COVID-19 cases rise," accessed July 29, 2020
- ↑ Colorado Office of the Governor, "Governor Polis Amends and Extends Mask Order," accessed May 3, 2021
- ↑ Denver Post, "Polis ends most Colorado mask requirements, but recommends unvaccinated people still wear them," accessed May 17, 2021
- ↑ CNBC, "Connecticut governor says Covid mask mandate can be lifted because ‘hospitals aren’t overwhelmed’," February 10, 2022
- ↑ Delaware Online, "Delaware is lifting its mask mandate: What you need to know," May 21, 2021
- ↑ Delaware Office of the Governor, "Twenty-Ninth Modification of the Declaration of a State of Emergency for the State of Delaware Due to a Public Health Threat," accessed May 18, 2021
- ↑ Shore News Network, "Mask Up Delaware, It’s The Law Again After Governor Carney Revises State Health Emergency Rules," January 13, 2022
- ↑ Delaware Office of the Governor, "Governor Carney Announces Expiration of Universal Indoor Mask Mandate on February 11," February 7, 2022
- ↑ The Washington Post, "Georgia governor allows local mask mandates, with limits," accessed August 25, 2020
- ↑ Hawaii Office of the Governor, "AMENDMENT TO THE NINETEENTH PROCLAMATION RELATED TO THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY," accessed May 26, 2021
- ↑ ABC News, "Hawaii to lift last US state mask mandate by March 26," March 8, 2022
- ↑ Idaho Statesman, "'Tyranny’: Idaho Gov. Brad Little repeals McGeachin’s ban on mask mandates," May 28, 2021
- ↑ Illinois Office of the Governor, "Gov. Pritzker Issues Guidelines for Illinois Reopening on June 11," accessed June 11, 2021
- ↑ YouTube, "LIVE: Gov. Pritzker announces mask mandate, school vaccine requirement," August 26, 2021
- ↑ Associated Press, "Illinois governor to lift mask mandate except for schools," February 9, 2022
- ↑ We Are Iowa, "Gov. Reynolds issues mask mandate for social gatherings, sporting events and certain businesses," accessed November 11, 2020
- ↑ ABC 9, "Gov. Reynolds announces new COVID-19 restrictions, including indoor mask requirements," accessed November 19, 2020
- ↑ NPR, "Iowa Rolls Back Coronavirus Restrictions," accessed February 8, 2021
- ↑ WLKY, "Kentucky's mask mandate, capacity restrictions will end June 11, Beshear says," accessed June 11, 2021
- ↑ Louisiana Office of the Governor, "Gov. Edwards Temporarily Reinstates Louisiana's Statewide Mask Mandate as COVID Cases and Hospitalizations Threaten Hospitals' Ability to Serve Communities...," August 2, 2021
- ↑ Louisiana Office of the Governor, "Gov. Edwards Extends Louisiana's Statewide Indoor Mask Mandate for Another Month to Further Slow the Spread of COVID-19 Following the State's Worst Surge of the Pandemic," September 28, 2021
- ↑ Louisiana Office of the Governor, "Gov. Edwards Lifts Louisiana’s Mask Mandate Statewide, Except for K-12 Schools," October 26, 2021
- ↑ Bangor Daily News, "Janet Mills orders Mainers to wear face coverings in public spaces," accessed November 5, 2020
- ↑ WMTW, "Maine ends indoor mask mandate, some exceptions remain," accessed May 24, 2021
- ↑ Maryland Office of the Governor, "Governor Hogan Lifts Outdoor Mask Mandate, Ends Restrictions on Outdoor Dining," accessed April 29, 2021
- ↑ Capital Gazette, "Gov. Larry Hogan lifts mask mandate for all Maryland residents, Anne Arundel to follow," accessed May 17, 2021
- ↑ Boston.com, "Charlie Baker announces a slate of new orders, including nighttime stay-at-home advisory and mask mandate, due to COVID-19 increase," accessed November 5, 2020
- ↑ CBS Boston, "Massachusetts Reopening: 10 Things You’ll Be Able To Do Starting May 29," May 28, 2021
- ↑ CBS Detroit, "Gov. Whitmer: Michigan Will Open To Full Capacity June 22," accessed June 21, 2021
- ↑ Minnesota Office of the Governor, "Following New CDC Guidance, Governor Walz Announces End to Statewide Face Covering Requirement," accessed May 17, 2021
- ↑ The Vicksburg Post, "Reeves eases statewide COVID-19 restrictions, allows state's mask mandate to expire," accessed September 30, 2020
- ↑ WJTV, "Mississippi governor announces mask mandate for nine counties," accessed October 26, 2020
- ↑ Fox 5 Las Vegas, "Nevada reinstates mask mandate in high-transmission areas, including Clark County," July 27, 2021
- ↑ Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Sisolak offers options for going maskless at large-venue events," August 16, 2021
- ↑ Associated Press, "Nevada governor rescinds mask mandate effective immediately," February 10, 2022
- ↑ WMUR, "Gov. Sununu issues mandatory mask order that will affect certain events in NH," August 11, 2020
- ↑ New Jersey Office of the Governor, "Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Eliminating Mask Requirement in Outdoor Public Spaces," accessed May 18, 2021
- ↑ New Jersey Office of the governor, "Governor Murphy Lifts Major COVID-19 Restrictions, Moves Forward with Most Significant Reopening Steps to Date," May 24, 2021
- ↑ New Mexico Office of the Governor, "New Mexico to re-implement indoor mask mandate; vaccinations required in hospitals, congregate settings," August 17, 2021
- ↑ The Hill, "New Mexico, Washington join states lifting indoor mask mandates," February 17, 2022
- ↑ New York Office of the Governor, "Governor Hochul Announces Series of Universal Mask Requirements to Protect New Yorkers amid Rise of Delta Variant," September 15, 2021
- ↑ Politico, "New York to impose statewide mask mandate," December 10, 2021
- ↑ WGRZ, "New York mask mandate extended to February," December 31, 2021
- ↑ The Hill, "Judge strikes down New York's indoor mask mandate," January 25, 2022
- ↑ The New York Times, "New York State’s mask policy is back in effect after a judge grants a stay.," January 26, 2022
- ↑ Times Union, "Hochul extends business mask mandate to Feb. 10, school mask policy remains indefinite," January 28, 2022
- ↑ New York Office of the Governor, "Governor Hochul Announces Winter Toolkit for New Phase of COVID Response: Keep New York Safe, Open and Moving Forward," February 9, 2022
- ↑ WFMY, "New statewide mask mandate goes into effect," accessed December 1, 2020
- ↑ WXII12, "North Carolina drops most mask requirements, all social distance mandates after CDC eases guidance," accessed May 17, 2021
- ↑ FOX 19, "Ohio’s COVID-19 health orders ending Wednesday," June 1, 2021
- ↑ Oregon Public Broadcasting, "Oregon ends mask and social-distancing mandates," June 30, 2021
- ↑ Oregon Office of the Governor, "Governor Kate Brown Announces Statewide Indoor Mask Requirements," August 11, 2021
- ↑ Oregon Office of the Governor, "Governor Kate Brown Announces Statewide Outdoor Mask Requirements," August 24, 2021
- ↑ The Bulletin, "Oregon has new mask, school and vaccine verification actions to fight COVID-19," November 23, 2021
- ↑ Oregon Health Authority, "Oregon will lift indoor mask requirements no later than March 31," February 7, 2022
- ↑ Salem Reporter, "UPDATED: Oregon to lift indoor mask mandate March 19, including in schools," Ferbuary 24, 2022
- ↑ WPVI, "Pennsylvania sets firm date to lift mask mandate, even if vaccination goal isn't hit," May 27, 2021
- ↑ NECN, "Rhode Island Gov. Lifts Outdoor Mask Requirements," June 1, 2021
- ↑ Partridge Snow & Hahn, "RI Executive Order 21-69," accessed July 13, 2021
- ↑ Rhode Island Office of the Governor, "Governor McKee Announces Comprehensive Actions to Address COVID-19 Cases and Alleviate Pressure on Hospital Systems While Keeping Schools Open for In-Person Learning and Preventing Economic Disruption to Small Businesses," December 15, 2021
- ↑ NECN, "Rhode Island Gov. McKee Lifting Mask Mandate, Vaccination Requirements," February 9, 2022
- ↑ South Carolina Office of the Governor, "Gov. Henry McMaster Takes Additional Action to Slow Virus Spread," accessed August 25, 2020
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texans in most counties to wear masks in public," July 2, 2020
- ↑ Salt Lake Tribune, "What the state’s new COVID-19 strategy means for Utahns," accessed October 14, 2020
- ↑ Utah Department of Health, "Health guidance for all levels," accessed October 14, 2020
- ↑ Governor Gary Herbert, "GOVERNOR DECLARES NEW STATE OF EMERGENCY TO ADDRESS HOSPITAL OVERCROWDING, CASE SURGE," accessed November 10, 2020
- ↑ Associated Press, "Vermont to update outdoor mask rule, enter 2nd reopen phase," accessed May 3, 2021
- ↑ VT Digger, "Vermont reopens: Scott lifts restrictions as state reaches 80% vaccination goal," accessed June 14, 2021
- ↑ Ralph S. Northam, "Governor Northam Lifts Mask Mandate to Align with CDC Guidance, Announces Virginia to End COVID-19 Mitigation Measures on May 28," May 14, 2021
- ↑ Q13 Fox Seattle, "Inslee: Fully-vaccinated Washingtonians can be outside maskless in non-crowded settings," accessed April 28, 2021
- ↑ Governor Jay Inslee on Medium, "Inslee announces educator vaccination requirement and statewide indoor mask mandate," Aug. 18, 2021
- ↑ OPB, "Washington governor says state outdoor mask mandate will end Feb. 18," February 9, 2022
- ↑ OPB, "Washington’s indoor mask mandate will lift March 21, with some exceptions," February 17, 2022
- ↑ Office of the Governor, "COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice announces statewide indoor face covering requirement," July 6, 2020
- ↑ West Virginia Office of the Governor, "Gov. Justice announces first “Do it for Babydog” vaccine lottery millionaire and other prize winners; lifts statewide mask mandate," accessed June 21, 2021
- ↑ Office of the Governor, "Statewide Face Covering Order," accessed December 9, 2020
