As respiratory viruses, including flu and the dreaded COVID-19 rise in the United States, New York City has reintroduced indoor mask requirements at all public hospitals.

The mandate, as per ABC News, applies to 11 hospitals, 30 health centres and five long-term care facilities run by NYC Health + Hospitals.

<h2>Mask mandate</h2>

Dr Ashwin Vasan, New York City's health commissioner, says the mask mandate is only for the areas where patients are being treated.

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He said that while none of the hospitals are currently overwhelmed&nbsp;and are handling the recent rise in the number of patients well, the mask mandate will help protect the hospital staff from falling sick.

New York's mask guidelines come as hospitals in at least six other US states &nbsp;— California, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin — have put in place similar masking mandates.

<h2>Cases in New York and the US</h2>

As per the report citing the New York State Department of Health, during the week ending on Dec 23, hospitalisations in New York rose from 653 to 696.

The same week, across the United States, there were 29,059 new weekly admissions due to COVID-19, reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks the seventh consecutive week of rising numbers and also the highest figure reported in almost a year — since late January 2023.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/get-rid-of-toxic-air-indoors-if-you-want-to-boost-your-creativity-suggests-study-675008">Get rid of toxic air indoors if you want to boost your creativity, suggests study</a>

Additionally, 14,732 new hospital admissions across America were linked to influenza in the same week. This is almost a 50 per cent jump&nbsp;from the previous week's 9,930 cases, CDC data shows.

Respiratory infections like pertussis or whooping cough are also on the rise, with 108 cases reported in Suffolk County, New York. While there are no known hospitalisations, as per a Suffolk County Department of Health Services press release, this outbreak is mainly among vaccinated children and their parents.

(With inputs from agencies)

As respiratory viruses, including flu and the dreaded COVID-19 rise in the United States, New York City has reintroduced indoor mask requirements at all public hospitals.

As respiratory viruses, including flu and the dreaded COVID-19 rise in the United States, New York City has reintroduced indoor mask requirements at all public hospitals. The mandate, as per ABC News, applies to 11 hospitals, 30 health centres and five long-term care facilities run by NYC Health + Hospitals. Mask mandate Dr Ashwin Vasan, New York City's health commissioner, says the mask mandate is only for the areas where patients are being treated. Also read | Monkeys on Thai island started using stone tools when Covid stopped tourist inflow: Study He said that while none of the hospitals are currently overwhelmed and are handling the recent rise in the number of patients well, the mask mandate will help protect the hospital staff from falling sick. New York's mask guidelines come as hospitals in at least six other US states — California, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin — have put in place similar masking mandates. Cases in New York and the US As per the report citing the New York State Department of Health, during the week ending on Dec 23, hospitalisations in New York rose from 653 to 696. The same week, across the United States, there were 29,059 new weekly admissions due to COVID-19, reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks the seventh consecutive week of rising numbers and also the highest figure reported in almost a year — since late January 2023. Also read | Get rid of toxic air indoors if you want to boost your creativity, suggests study Additionally, 14,732 new hospital admissions across America were linked to influenza in the same week. This is almost a 50 per cent jump from the previous week's 9,930 cases, CDC data shows. Respiratory infections like pertussis or whooping cough are also on the rise, with 108 cases reported in Suffolk County, New York. While there are no known hospitalisations, as per a Suffolk County Department of Health Services press release, this outbreak is mainly among vaccinated children and their parents. (With inputs from agencies)

Mask mandate reinstated in New York City hospitals as COVID-19 cases rise

Hospitals in at least four US states have reinstated mask mandates amid a rise in cases of Covid, seasonal flu and other respiratory illness. Watch this report to know more.

US: Covid and flu cases on the rise; mask mandates return

Life felt weird at the height of the Covid pandemic. Everyone wore masks. Anyone who coughed or sneezed was given looks of reprimand. Human communication had become virtual.&nbsp;

It is no wonder if people had trouble adapting to post-pandemic interaction. It would appear natural that people wouldn't forget the old ways of meet and greet. But some people in Japan are taking help from professionals in order to relearn smiling.

“With mask wearing having become the norm, people have had fewer opportunities to smile, and more and more people have developed a complex about it,” Keiko Kawano, a coach at the 'smile education' company Egaoiku told the Asahi Shimbun, the Japanese news outlet.&nbsp;

“Moving and relaxing the facial muscles is the key to making a good smile. I want people to spend time consciously smiling for their physical and mental wellbeing.”

According to Egaoiku, number of applicants rose after media reports of Covid reclassification back in February. Just a month after that, government said masks would be an individual choice.

“I didn’t have opportunities to see people during the coronavirus crisis and didn’t smile in public,” 79-year-old Akiko Takizawa told Mainichi Shumbun newspaper.

“This has reminded me of how important smiling is,” she added..

The smile coaching classes are proving to be popular with women.

Reports say that these classes typically begin&nbsp;with stretches to relieve facial tension. Then the participants raise their handheld mirrors to eye level. Then they flex parts of their face in accordance with Kawano's instructions.

“A smile is only a smile if it’s conveyed,” she told her students in Yokohama, according to the Japan Times. “Even if you’re thinking about smiling or that you’re happy, if you have no expression, it won’t reach your audience.”

Kawano is a familiar face on TV and social media. Till now, she has provided coaching to more than 4000 people to teach them the art of smiling. The report&nbsp;further said that Kawano has also helped hundreds of others become certified 'smile specialists'. The Guardian said that Kawano now oversees 20 trainers who run classes across Japan. 
 
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Life felt weird at the height of the Covid pandemic. Everyone wore masks. Anyone who coughed or sneezed was given looks of reprimand. Human communication had become virtual.

Life felt weird at the height of the Covid pandemic. Everyone wore masks. Anyone who coughed or sneezed was given looks of reprimand. Human communication had become virtual. It is no wonder if people had trouble adapting to post-pandemic interaction. It would appear natural that people wouldn't forget the old ways of meet and greet. But some people in Japan are taking help from professionals in order to relearn smiling. “With mask wearing having become the norm, people have had fewer opportunities to smile, and more and more people have developed a complex about it,” Keiko Kawano, a coach at the 'smile education' company Egaoiku told the Asahi Shimbun, the Japanese news outlet. “Moving and relaxing the facial muscles is the key to making a good smile. I want people to spend time consciously smiling for their physical and mental wellbeing.” According to Egaoiku, number of applicants rose after media reports of Covid reclassification back in February. Just a month after that, government said masks would be an individual choice. “I didn’t have opportunities to see people during the coronavirus crisis and didn’t smile in public,” 79-year-old Akiko Takizawa told Mainichi Shumbun newspaper. “This has reminded me of how important smiling is,” she added.. The smile coaching classes are proving to be popular with women. Reports say that these classes typically begin with stretches to relieve facial tension. Then the participants raise their handheld mirrors to eye level. Then they flex parts of their face in accordance with Kawano's instructions. “A smile is only a smile if it’s conveyed,” she told her students in Yokohama, according to the Japan Times. “Even if you’re thinking about smiling or that you’re happy, if you have no expression, it won’t reach your audience.” Kawano is a familiar face on TV and social media. Till now, she has provided coaching to more than 4000 people to teach them the art of smiling. The report further said that Kawano has also helped hundreds of others become certified 'smile specialists'. The Guardian said that Kawano now oversees 20 trainers who run classes across Japan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japanese flock to relearn art of smiling as masks come off after Covid mandate

COVID-19: Singapore lifts all covid restrictions except wearing masks

As India continues to witness a dip in Covid cases, in contrast to its neighbour, China, some states have decided to do away with several restrictions that were placed during the first phase, including the mask mandates.

On Thursday, western Maharashtra state announced that it will lift all Covid-related restrictions from Saturday, April 2, as the state welcomes the Marathi New Year.

Additionally, the government has advised the people to use masks even though it hasn’t been made compulsory.

"All Covid restrictions in Maharashtra will be lifted, as we bring in the new year this Gudi Padwa!” Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray tweeted.

Gudi Padwa is a spring festival that marks the traditional New Year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus.

Maharashtra was one of the worst-affected states in India during the first and second waves of COVID-19.

The decision to drop all restrictions after nearly two years was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope told reporters.

The number of fresh daily Covid infections in the state has dwindled to around 100 a day and no new fatalities are being reported. On Monday, there were 964 active cases across 35 districts.

Similarly in the national capital Delhi, the authorities have decided not to impose a fine for not wearing face masks at public places, PTI news agency reported citing official sources.

The sources added that the Delhi Disaster Management Authority is likely to issue an advisory for people, asking them to wear masks at crowded places.

Currently, there is a fine of Rs 500 (US $6.59) for not wearing masks at public places in Delhi.

On Thursday,&nbsp;Delhi reported 113 fresh COVID-19 cases with a positivity rate of 0.49 per cent and zero death.&nbsp;The city has recorded zero fatality count on multiple days this month.

For the past few weeks, India had been seeing a drastic reduction in the number of Covid cases being reported across the country.

On Thursday, 1,225 new cases were recorded, along with 28 deaths in the past 24 hours. A day before, 1,233 new Coronavirus infections were reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

As India continues to witness a dip in Covid cases, in contrast to its neighbour, China, some states have decided to do away with several restrictions that were placed during the first phase, including the mask mandates.

As India continues to witness a dip in Covid cases, in contrast to its neighbour, China, some states have decided to do away with several restrictions that were placed during the first phase, including the mask mandates. On Thursday, western Maharashtra state announced that it will lift all Covid-related restrictions from Saturday, April 2, as the state welcomes the Marathi New Year. Additionally, the government has advised the people to use masks even though it hasn’t been made compulsory. "All Covid restrictions in Maharashtra will be lifted, as we bring in the new year this Gudi Padwa!” Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray tweeted. Gudi Padwa is a spring festival that marks the traditional New Year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus. Maharashtra was one of the worst-affected states in India during the first and second waves of COVID-19. The decision to drop all restrictions after nearly two years was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope told reporters. The number of fresh daily Covid infections in the state has dwindled to around 100 a day and no new fatalities are being reported. On Monday, there were 964 active cases across 35 districts. Similarly in the national capital Delhi, the authorities have decided not to impose a fine for not wearing face masks at public places, PTI news agency reported citing official sources. The sources added that the Delhi Disaster Management Authority is likely to issue an advisory for people, asking them to wear masks at crowded places. Currently, there is a fine of Rs 500 (US $6.59) for not wearing masks at public places in Delhi. On Thursday, Delhi reported 113 fresh COVID-19 cases with a positivity rate of 0.49 per cent and zero death. The city has recorded zero fatality count on multiple days this month. For the past few weeks, India had been seeing a drastic reduction in the number of Covid cases being reported across the country. On Thursday, 1,225 new cases were recorded, along with 28 deaths in the past 24 hours. A day before, 1,233 new Coronavirus infections were reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Signalling normalcy: Some Indian states lift all Covid restrictions, drop mask mandate rule

Following weeks of pressure, New York City mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday that masks will soon no longer be required in public schools and daycare facilities for children ages 4 and under.

According to Adams, if COVID-19 trends continue, the face-covering mandate for New York's youngest children will be lifted on April 4.

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“If the numbers continue to show a low level of risk, masks will be optional for 2- to 4-year-old students in schools and day care,” he told reporters at City Hall. “We want to see our babies’ faces.”

“Now it’s time to peel back another layer.”&nbsp;

Early in March, Adams removed the indoor face covering the requirement for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, but maintained it for children ages 4 and under and those in daycare centres, since they are not yet eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Students age 5 and older in New York City public schools have not had to wear masks since March 7.

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A group of parents and students protested the masking mandate on Sunday in City Hall Park, urging mayor Adams to "unmask our toddlers." Weeks earlier, more than 20 top early education providers signed a letter urging Adams to end the masking mandate.

The protests followed Dr Ashwin Vasan, the city's new health commissioner's statement that he believes mask mandates for young children should continue indefinitely.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Vasan endorsed Adams' decision, while cautioning that the regulations might need to be revisited.

“Less risk means more choices for New Yorkers about which precautions are mandatory and which are optional,” he told reporters. “If we see the levels of risk rise, either before or after the mandate is lifted, we may be here having another conversation.”

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“However, right now, we feel comfortable saying that if the risk level holds, masks can become optional for our youngest New Yorkers,” he added.

Mary Bassett, the state's top doctor, told reporters Monday that despite the recent spread of a highly contagious Omicron subvariant, she does not predict an explosion in COVID-19 cases.

Governor Kathy Hochul reported that the coronavirus positivity rate in New York state on Monday was 2 per cent, compared to 23 per cent in January when the Omicron surge was underway. On Sunday, the average for the previous seven days was 1.87 per cent, according to state data.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following weeks of pressure, New York City mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday that masks will soon no longer be required in public schools and daycare facilities for children ages 4 and under.

Following weeks of pressure, New York City mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday that masks will soon no longer be required in public schools and daycare facilities for children ages 4 and under. According to Adams, if COVID-19 trends continue, the face-covering mandate for New York's youngest children will be lifted on April 4. Also read | Children's natural immunity against Covid lasts up to seven months, but vaccines are still important: Study “If the numbers continue to show a low level of risk, masks will be optional for 2- to 4-year-old students in schools and day care,” he told reporters at City Hall. “We want to see our babies’ faces.” “Now it’s time to peel back another layer.” Early in March, Adams removed the indoor face covering the requirement for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, but maintained it for children ages 4 and under and those in daycare centres, since they are not yet eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Students age 5 and older in New York City public schools have not had to wear masks since March 7. Also read | China continues to break Covid case record, officials face the brunt for 'laxity' A group of parents and students protested the masking mandate on Sunday in City Hall Park, urging mayor Adams to "unmask our toddlers." Weeks earlier, more than 20 top early education providers signed a letter urging Adams to end the masking mandate. The protests followed Dr Ashwin Vasan, the city's new health commissioner's statement that he believes mask mandates for young children should continue indefinitely. On Tuesday, Vasan endorsed Adams' decision, while cautioning that the regulations might need to be revisited. “Less risk means more choices for New Yorkers about which precautions are mandatory and which are optional,” he told reporters. “If we see the levels of risk rise, either before or after the mandate is lifted, we may be here having another conversation.” Watch | This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak “However, right now, we feel comfortable saying that if the risk level holds, masks can become optional for our youngest New Yorkers,” he added. Mary Bassett, the state's top doctor, told reporters Monday that despite the recent spread of a highly contagious Omicron subvariant, she does not predict an explosion in COVID-19 cases. Governor Kathy Hochul reported that the coronavirus positivity rate in New York state on Monday was 2 per cent, compared to 23 per cent in January when the Omicron surge was underway. On Sunday, the average for the previous seven days was 1.87 per cent, according to state data. (With inputs from agencies)

'We want to see our babies' faces': NYC drops mask mandates for children under 5 years

New York City has lifted the major COVID-19 protocols including the school mask mandate and vaccination requirements for businesses. Restaurants and indoor venues, including restaurants, theaters and gyms, no longer have to require proof of vaccination.

New York City lifts COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates

The Biden administration will significantly loosen federal mask-wearing guidelines to protect against COVID-19 transmission on Friday, according to two people familiar with the matter, meaning most Americans will no longer be advised to wear masks in indoor public settings.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday will announce a change to the metrics it uses to determine whether to recommend face coverings, shifting from looking at COVID-19 case counts to a more holistic view of risk from the coronavirus to a community. Under current guidelines, masks are recommended for people residing in communities of substantial or high transmission roughly 95 per cent of U.S. Counties, according to the latest data.

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The new metrics will still consider caseloads, but also take into account hospitalisations and local hospital capacity, which have been markedly improved during the emergence of the omicron variant. That strain is highly transmissible, but indications are that it is less severe than earlier strains, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated and boosted. Under the new guidelines, the vast majority of Americans will no longer live in areas where indoor masking in public is recommended, based on current data.

The new policy comes as the Biden administration moves to shift its focus to preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19, rather than all instances of infection, as part of a strategy adjustment for a new "phase" in the response as the virus becomes endemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-brief-russia-hit-with-more-sanctions-us-accuses-iran-of-orchestrating-cyberattacks-and-more-456289">Morning brief: Russia hit with more sanctions, US accuses Iran of orchestrating cyberattacks and more</a>

The two people familiar with the change spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the CDC's action before the announcement. 
The change comes as nearly all U.S. States that had put in place indoor mask-wearing mandates for the winter Omicron surge are letting them lapse as cases have precipitously dropped nationwide. Some have eliminated the mandates entirely, while others have kept mask-wearing requirements in place for schools and medical facilities.

It was not immediately clear how the new CDC guidance would affect U.S. Federal mandates requiring face coverings on public transportation.

The CDC's director, Dr Rochelle Walensky, has said a change has been in the works.

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"We must consider hospital capacity as an additional important barometer. Our hospitals need to be able to take care of people with heart attacks and strokes. Our emergency departments can't be so overwhelmed that patients with emergent issues have to wait in line," she said during a White House briefing last week.

However, she declined to give a specific day when the CDC would announce a change. CDC officials on Thursday refused to confirm a release date.

The Biden administration will significantly loosen federal mask-wearing guidelines to protect against COVID-19 transmission on Friday, according to two people familiar with the matter, meaning most Americans will no longer be advised to wear masks in indoor public settings.

The Biden administration will significantly loosen federal mask-wearing guidelines to protect against COVID-19 transmission on Friday, according to two people familiar with the matter, meaning most Americans will no longer be advised to wear masks in indoor public settings. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday will announce a change to the metrics it uses to determine whether to recommend face coverings, shifting from looking at COVID-19 case counts to a more holistic view of risk from the coronavirus to a community. Under current guidelines, masks are recommended for people residing in communities of substantial or high transmission roughly 95 per cent of U.S. Counties, according to the latest data. Also read | As United States watches, Pakistan PM Imran Khan 'excited' to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow The new metrics will still consider caseloads, but also take into account hospitalisations and local hospital capacity, which have been markedly improved during the emergence of the omicron variant. That strain is highly transmissible, but indications are that it is less severe than earlier strains, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated and boosted. Under the new guidelines, the vast majority of Americans will no longer live in areas where indoor masking in public is recommended, based on current data. The new policy comes as the Biden administration moves to shift its focus to preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19, rather than all instances of infection, as part of a strategy adjustment for a new "phase" in the response as the virus becomes endemic. Also read | Morning brief: Russia hit with more sanctions, US accuses Iran of orchestrating cyberattacks and more The two people familiar with the change spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the CDC's action before the announcement. The change comes as nearly all U.S. States that had put in place indoor mask-wearing mandates for the winter Omicron surge are letting them lapse as cases have precipitously dropped nationwide. Some have eliminated the mandates entirely, while others have kept mask-wearing requirements in place for schools and medical facilities. It was not immediately clear how the new CDC guidance would affect U.S. Federal mandates requiring face coverings on public transportation. The CDC's director, Dr Rochelle Walensky, has said a change has been in the works. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US President Joe Biden targets Russian economy as he imposes sanctions "We must consider hospital capacity as an additional important barometer. Our hospitals need to be able to take care of people with heart attacks and strokes. Our emergency departments can't be so overwhelmed that patients with emergent issues have to wait in line," she said during a White House briefing last week. However, she declined to give a specific day when the CDC would announce a change. CDC officials on Thursday refused to confirm a release date.

CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday

New York has become the latest Democratic-run state to roll back its protective mask law, as health officials increasingly talk about America moving towards a phase where COVID-19 doesn't disrupt daily lives.

As the country gears up for key midterm elections later this year that could shape Joe Biden's second half of presidency, masks remain a hot political issue in the United States.

Democrats have led the enforcement of mask mandates, while Republican-led states such as Texas and Florida have gone as far as banning the mandatory wearing of face coverings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beyond-tragic-who-reports-130-million-cases-and-500000-deaths-linked-to-omicron-451604" hreflang="en">'Beyond tragic': WHO reports 130 million cases and 500,000 deaths linked to Omicron</a>

Citing a 96 per cent decline in the number of reported infections since early January, New York governor Kathy Hochul announced that she would not renew an indoor mask mandate for businesses when it expires on Thursday.

Rather, it will be up to each city and business to decide whether to require masks.&nbsp;Hochul however, added&nbsp;that face coverings in schools would remain compulsory until she reviews it next month.

Hochul said the state was "trending in a very, very good direction."

"That is why we are now approaching a new phase in this pandemic," she told reporters. Broadway said it would require masks inside all theatres until April 30.

Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker said masks would no longer be required indoors in most public places by February 28; schools will, however, remain subject to the rule.

As Coronavirus infections fall in the US, several states announced plans Monday to lift mask requirements in indoor places and schools.

This easing of restrictions is also a response to an increasingly pandemic-weary public, occurring at a time when northern neighbour, Canada, is battling trucker-led protests against Covid rules, which have paralysed its capital, Ottawa.

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Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that vaccinated residents of California will no longer be required to wear masks indoors as of February 15. However, unvaccinated residents will be required to do so.

The mask requirement in Oregon will be lifted no later than March 31, and the mask requirement in Delaware will end on Friday, with mask usage in classrooms ending by March 31.

Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey led the rollbacks, announcing that children and staff would no longer need to wear masks in schools starting March 7.

Connecticut followed suit, with Ned Lamont saying that he was recommending that schools stop wearing masks after February 28.

In addition, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced Wednesday that his state's mask requirement for schools will end on February 28.

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School boards still have the option of requiring masks if they so desire despite the lifting of the mandates.

With these changes, a shift is taking place towards learning to live with COVID-19 on an everyday basis.

CDC officials still mandate face masks at federal buildings, train stations, airports and airport terminals. However, its officials are upping their rhetoric about normalizing life.

"We're moving toward a time when Covid won't disrupt our daily lives. A time when Covid won't be a constant crisis, but rather will be something we can protect against and treat," White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients said Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

New York has become the latest Democratic-run state to roll back its protective mask law, as health officials increasingly talk about America moving towards a phase where COVID-19 doesn't disrupt daily lives.

New York has become the latest Democratic-run state to roll back its protective mask law, as health officials increasingly talk about America moving towards a phase where COVID-19 doesn't disrupt daily lives. As the country gears up for key midterm elections later this year that could shape Joe Biden's second half of presidency, masks remain a hot political issue in the United States. Democrats have led the enforcement of mask mandates, while Republican-led states such as Texas and Florida have gone as far as banning the mandatory wearing of face coverings. Also read | 'Beyond tragic': WHO reports 130 million cases and 500,000 deaths linked to Omicron Citing a 96 per cent decline in the number of reported infections since early January, New York governor Kathy Hochul announced that she would not renew an indoor mask mandate for businesses when it expires on Thursday. Rather, it will be up to each city and business to decide whether to require masks. Hochul however, added that face coverings in schools would remain compulsory until she reviews it next month. Hochul said the state was "trending in a very, very good direction." "That is why we are now approaching a new phase in this pandemic," she told reporters. Broadway said it would require masks inside all theatres until April 30. Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker said masks would no longer be required indoors in most public places by February 28; schools will, however, remain subject to the rule. As Coronavirus infections fall in the US, several states announced plans Monday to lift mask requirements in indoor places and schools. This easing of restrictions is also a response to an increasingly pandemic-weary public, occurring at a time when northern neighbour, Canada, is battling trucker-led protests against Covid rules, which have paralysed its capital, Ottawa. Also read | United States: FDA poised to tap brakes on China-made cancer drugs Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that vaccinated residents of California will no longer be required to wear masks indoors as of February 15. However, unvaccinated residents will be required to do so. The mask requirement in Oregon will be lifted no later than March 31, and the mask requirement in Delaware will end on Friday, with mask usage in classrooms ending by March 31. Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey led the rollbacks, announcing that children and staff would no longer need to wear masks in schools starting March 7. Connecticut followed suit, with Ned Lamont saying that he was recommending that schools stop wearing masks after February 28. In addition, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced Wednesday that his state's mask requirement for schools will end on February 28. Watch | Canada truckers' protest against COVID mandates enters the second week School boards still have the option of requiring masks if they so desire despite the lifting of the mandates. With these changes, a shift is taking place towards learning to live with COVID-19 on an everyday basis. CDC officials still mandate face masks at federal buildings, train stations, airports and airport terminals. However, its officials are upping their rhetoric about normalizing life. "We're moving toward a time when Covid won't disrupt our daily lives. A time when Covid won't be a constant crisis, but rather will be something we can protect against and treat," White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients said Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

New York, Illinois latest to announce an end to mask mandates. These US states are also ending mask mandates

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