CDC Says Mask Mandates Drove Declines In Covid Cases, Deaths
A study by the CDC has linked mask mandates and less in-restaurant dining with declining covid infections and deaths. Meanwhile, several governors defend lifting their states' mandates and some protestors burn their masks.
CNBC:
CDC Study Finds Easing Mask Mandates Led To Higher Covid Cases And Deaths
Easing mask mandates and reopening restaurants have led to a rise in Covid-19 cases and deaths, according to a new study by the CDC that comes as the agency urges states not to aggressively lift health restrictions. According to the study, which examined county data between last March and December, mask mandates implemented by local governments were able to slow the spread of the virus starting about 20 days after their implementation. (Higgins-Dunn, 3/5)
Fox News:
Coronavirus Mask Mandates Linked To Decline In Cases, Deaths: CDC Report
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a report Friday reiterated messaging that mask mandates and limiting on-premises dining can reduce coronavirus spread. During a White House briefing Friday, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the report serves as a warning against lifting the measures too early. The health agency examined county-level data on coronavirus cases and deaths from March to December 2020, in accordance with fluctuations in mask mandates and business restrictions. The CDC noted about 74% of 3,142 U.S. counties had mask mandates during the time under study, and 98% of counties saw reopenings for on-premises dining. (Rivas, 3/6)
In related news about masks and covid restrictions —
CNN:
Governors Defend Easing Statewide Covid Restrictions As Health Officials Warn Americans To Stay Vigilant
A number of governors on Sunday defended easing Covid-19 restrictions in their states against top health officials' warnings that Americans should remain vigilant against highly transmissible variants and that the US could see another spike in cases. In some of the more extreme rollbacks, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, both Republicans, lifted mask mandates and allowed businesses to operate at full capacity in their states -- stances President Joe Biden blasted as "neanderthal thinking." (Duster, 3/7)
Axios:
Mississippi Gov. Defends Lifting Mask Mandate: "We Have To Get Our Economy Rolling"
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) defended his decision to revoke the state's mask mandate on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday, describing the move as backed by data and a necessary step to boost the state's economy. Although hospitalizations have dropped, Mississippi had the largest increase in the average of new coronavirus cases over a seven-day period in the country as of March 2, according to Axios' weekly tracker. (Rummier, 3/7)
Axios:
West Virginia Lifts COVID Capacity Limits On Restaurants, Many Businesses
Bars, restaurants and many other businesses in West Virginia can return to 100% capacity if social distancing can be maintained, Gov. Jim Justice (R) said Friday. Justice is the latest governor to lift statewide coronavirus restrictions, despite warnings from health officials. (Chen, 3/5)
The Washington Post:
Anti-Maskers Encouraged Kids To Burn Their Face Coverings On The Capitol Steps In Idaho
Cheering parents watched as children tossed surgical masks into a fire outside the Idaho Capitol in Boise on Saturday as more than 100 people gathered to protest mask mandates as an affront to their civil liberties. The rally was one of several held statewide in opposition to the coronavirus-related requirements, which health experts have said remain crucial even as vaccines are distributed and the number of new reported cases has dropped. (Bellware, 3/7)
Also —
Politico:
Ohio Governor Defends Continuing Mask Mandate
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Sunday defended continuing his state's mask requirements in the wake of such mandates being eliminated in Texas and Mississippi. Speaking to Martha Raddatz on ABC's "This Week," he said, "You know with the vaccine, we're now on the offense, that's the great thing. But in Ohio, we can't give up the defense. We have found that these masks work exceedingly well." (Cohen, 3/7)
Houston Chronicle:
Houston Mayor, Lawmakers Slam Troubled Concrete Cowboy For Planning 'Mask Off' Gathering
With just a few days to go until the lifting of state-mandated occupancy and mask requirements, Houston officials urged area businesses on Sunday not to follow in the footsteps of a Washington Avenue club planning a maskless party to celebrate the end of restrictions. State Rep. Ann Johnson slammed the owners of Concrete Cowboy for planning an event Wednesday to mark the end of COVID-19 protective measures, including restrictions on the number of customers and required masks when not dining. (Hensley, 3/7)