Hawaii drops mask mandate

We’re committed to moving the state forward and learning to live with COVID.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige announcing his state will drop its mask mandate for most places by the end of March – becoming the last remaining U.S. state to drop the general requirement.

• Masks likely will still be required in places such as schools, public transportation and airports.
• It’s been nearly two years since Hawaii initiated its mask mandate (for months, it required masks both indoors and outdoors).
• Why It Matters: Hawaii is the final U.S. state to drop the general masking mandate as the nation continues to shed pandemic-era policies.
• Interesting note: While America is experiencing a drop in COVID cases, Hong Kong is experiencing a huge spike that’s rattling hospital resources.

“Tens of thousands of new Omicron cases are being reported each day, and deaths have surged. The anxiety gripping Hong Kong is not just about the explosion of infections, but also about what the government will do next. Mixed messages from officials have left residents wondering: Will there be a lockdown? Will we be sent into isolation facilities? Will our children be taken from us if they test positive?”

Hawaii sets a date for ending mask mandate, becoming the last state to do so