States begin lifting mask mandates after new CDC guidance

States are beginning to scrap their mask mandates after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance on Thursday saying vaccinated Americans can go without masks in most settings.

Washington, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Kentucky immediately adopted the CDC guidance.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) said on Twitter that he is revising his executive orders to lift additional mitigation for vaccinated people.

“I firmly believe in following the science and will revise my executive orders in line with @CDCgov guidelines lifting additional mitigations for vaccinated people,” Pritzker tweeted. “The scientists’ message is clear: if you are vaccinated, you can safely do much more”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) said that the statewide mask mandate in his state was coming to an end on Friday, but local businesses and jurisdictions would still be able to require masks.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) said that beginning on May 19, outdoor masking would no longer be required and indoor masking for fully vaccinated residents would not be required. However, the governor is still requiring indoor masks for those that are unvaccinated.

On Friday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said the statewide indoor mask mandate would end May 15. Just two days ago, Hogan said he intended to lift the mandate by Memorial Day weekend, when 70 percent of residents had at least one vaccine dose. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) similarly lifted the mandate, but D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has yet to act.