A group of deep blue states have suddenly announced a repeal of school mask mandates ahead of the start of the 2022 midterm elections season.
The states made their moves ahead of the CDC’s updated guidelines relaxing masking mandates.
“As the virus continues to circulate in our communities, we must focus our metrics beyond just cases in the community and direct our efforts towards protecting people at high risk for severe illness, and preventing COVID-19 from overwhelming our hospitals and our healthcare systems,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky said on Feb. 25.
Democrats are in love with the decision because masks have been a very contentious issue. But until now, Democrats have no cared about what people think. Now, though, the election is quickly approaching, and Democrats want the mask issue put to rest.
In other words, the science has not changed, the politics has.
Consequently, three left-wing states have also relaxed mask mandates.
“With declining case rates and hospitalizations across the West, California, Oregon and Washington are moving together to update their masking guidance,” the governors announced in a joint statement Monday, according to the Wall Street Journal.
“Two years ago today, we identified Oregon’s first case of COVID-19,” Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said. “On the West Coast our communities and economies are linked. Together, as we continue to recover from the Omicron surge, we will build resiliency and prepare for the next variant and the next pandemic.”
California also relaxed standards, but added that masks in schools are still “highly recommended,” even as they aren’t required.
As to Washington, Jay Inslee noted that, “Many businesses and families will continue choosing to wear masks. As we transition to this next phase, we will continue to move forward together carefully and cautiously.”
But the gov. added that his state will release new guidelines next week.
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Tags: Commentary coronavirus COVID Masks Vaccine
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