Mask and Vaccine Mandates in the 50 U.S. States.

As of February 17, 2022, only four U.S. states (Hawaii, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington) continue to have indoor mask mandates. Other states have switched to requiring masks only for unvaccinated individuals and in public spaces. The remaining eleven states have not imposed any mask mandates to date. As for a vaccine mandate, 46% of the states require their residents to get vaccinated for COVID-19, while 30% have no active mandate in place.

Over the past two years of the pandemic, we have seen various changes made to regulations about masks and vaccines. Early in the pandemic, U.S. health officials discouraged the public from wearing masks due to a shortage of N95 masks for the nation’s healthcare workers. Starting April 2020, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began recommending the use of non-medical masks in public to reduce transmission. Soon after, many U.S. states enforced mask mandates for their residents.

By November 2020, nearly 35 states had made the use of masks mandatory in public spaces, with exceptions for children and those with medical conditions. Similarly, in early November 2021, the Biden administration announced a vaccine mandate, which was followed by various state governments enforcing the same. 

Who Decides Mask and Vaccine Mandates?

Federal vs. State Jurisdiction

Mask and vaccine mandates are decided by the governor of each state. The President and Congress can only enforce a mask mandate for those who work directly within the federal government. Even though the CDC, a federal public health agency, announced its recommendation for a mask mandate, many states did not enforce a statewide mandate, while others did. President Biden announced on November 4th, 2021, that all employers with more than 100 workers are required to get vaccinated. However, many states, including Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, and Texas, have banned employers from mandating vaccines for COVID-19. 

The President and Congress have limited power when it comes to such decisions. It is not under their authority to issue a nationwide mask or vaccine mandate. The 10th Amendment clearly states that the federal government cannot command “the States’ officers to administer or enforce a federal regulatory program.” They can only give the state governments financial incentives to follow their recommendations. 

Updated List of Mask Mandates by States

35 states are recommending you follow CDC mask guidelines while 16 states are requiring masks in specific spaces. With the pandemic-related regulations changing so quickly and repeatedly, it can be confusing to keep up with the latest developments. Find below an updated list of the latest maks mandates for each state!

Updated List of Vaccine Mandates by State

23 states have a vaccine mandate in effect while 15 states have no mandate and 13 have prohibited the enforcement of the federal mandate. Typically the mandates are focused on health care facilities, schools, and correctional facilities so make sure you check your local regulations. Employers across various states are also allowed to set their own expectations for employees. Below are vaccine mandates by state.

Should I Still Wear a Mask Even if the Mandate is Lifted in My State?

The choice is up to you. In a recent White House press briefing, Dr. Walensky shared that the nation is closer to not having COVID-19 be a “constant crisis”. The seven-day average of cases has decreased 40%, and hospitalization has reduced by almost 28% in the previous week. As a result, several states are lifting their mask mandates while others are not.

If your state has lifted the mask mandate, it can be challenging to adapt to this change. While some people might be in support, others might be concerned about their health and wellbeing. The good thing about lifting the mandate is that the decision to mask up now lies in your hands! If you are someone who is more comfortable masking up before you leave your home, you are free to make your choice. 

As of 1/21/22, the CDC recommends wearing a mask if:

1. You are 2 years or older, and are not fully vaccinated
2. You are in an area of high transmission and close contact with others
3. If you have a condition or take medications that weaken your immune system
4. If you are fully vaccinated and want to take precautions for unvaccinated people
5. Everyone is required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and public transportation.

What Happens if There is Another Variant Coming?

We can take precautions to protect ourselves and others. While we cannot predict when or where a new variant might emerge, regular masking, social distancing, getting vaccinated, and getting the booster will all help make our homes and neighborhoods safer! This will also help slow the emergence of a new variant.

Viruses constantly change as a result of genetic selection, making them more resilient each time. The case is the same with Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. It is expected that new variants will continue to emerge. In the interest of public health safety, we have organizations such as the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) that globally monitor all new variants of the virus. 

If you need help finding a place to get vaccinated, you can contact our team at Mira. Mira offers affordable health care services such as lab testing, urgent care visits, telehealth, and more!