US to Lift Mask Mandates

State Government and Health Authorities Consider Easing Mask Mandate

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The United States, which is rapidly accelerating COVID-19 vaccination, is considering easing mask-wearing measures.

On the 22nd (local time), according to NBC and other broadcasts, as vaccine distribution proceeds smoothly across the U.S., state governments and major cities are presenting plans to gradually relax mask-wearing regulations.

Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina, and Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City, announced they will change outdoor mask-wearing rules by June. Connecticut has also announced plans to lift restrictions by mid-next month.

The U.S., which began vaccinations in December last year, has completed vaccination for more than one in four people. The number of people who have received at least one dose is estimated at 65% of the total U.S. population (215 million).

Health authorities are carefully reviewing the possibility of removing masks outdoors. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director, said in an interview with NBC on the same day, "We are reviewing outdoor mask-wearing issues," adding, "This review will be conducted in the context that many people are still dying."