These States Now Mandate You to Wear a Face Mask
"I'm all for masks." That was President Trump just the other day. If even the president can come around to the efficacy of face masks in preventing the spread of COVID-19, so can we all. In fact, a whopping 85% of Americans approve wearing masks, and many prominent Republicans (including the president) join in the support. Here is the newest list of the states that, according to Masks4all, require face masks under certain conditions, in the wake of Texas issuing a statewide mandate.
Texas
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public where social distancing isn't possible (in counties with more than 20 cases)
Law Date: 7/3/2020
Kansas
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public where social distancing isn't possible
Law Date: 7/3/2020
Oregon
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: All Public Indoor Spaces (Including Public Transport & Biz's)
Law Date: 7/1/2020
Washington
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public where social distancing isn't possible
Law Date: 6/26/2020
North Carolina
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public where social distancing isn't possible
Law Date: 6/26/2020
Nevada
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public where social distancing isn't possible
Law Date: 6/25/2020
California
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public where social distancing isn't possible
Law Date: 6/18/2020
Virginia
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: All Public Indoor Spaces (Including Public Transport & Biz's)
Law Date: 5/29/2020
New Mexico
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public where social distancing isn't possible
Law Date: 5/15/2020 (est.)
Massachusetts
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public where social distancing isn't possible
Law Date: 5/6/2020
Delaware
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public
Law Date: 5/1/2020
Illinois
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public where social distancing isn't possible
Law Date: 5/1/2020
Maine
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public
Law Date: 5/1/2020
Michigan
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public where social distancing isn't possible
Law Date: 4/26/2020
Hawaii
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Only in businesses
Law Date: 4/20/2020
Rhode Island
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public where social distancing isn't possible
Law Date: 4/20/2020
Maryland
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Most Public Indoor Spaces (Including Public Transport & Biz's)
Law Date: 4/18/2020
Pennsylvania
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: All Public Indoor Spaces (Including Public Transport & Biz's)
Law Date: 4/17/2020
Connecticut
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public where social distancing isn't possible
Law Date: 4/17/2020
New York
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public where social distancing isn't possible
Law Date: 4/15/2020
New Jersey
Masks Required? Entire State
Type of Requirement: All Public Indoor Spaces (Including Public Transport & Biz's)
Law Date: 4/10/2020
Alabama
Masks Required? Entire State (Employees Only)
Type of Requirement: Only in businesses
Vermont
Masks Required? Entire State (Employees Only)
Type of Requirement: Only in businesses
Colorado
Masks Required? Entire State (Employees Only)
Type of Requirement: Only in businesses
Indiana
Masks Required? Entire State (Employees Only)
Nebraska
Masks Required? Entire State (Employees Only)
Louisiana
Masks Required? Entire State (Employees Only)
Type of Requirement: Only in businesses
Arkansas
Masks Required? Entire State (Some Employees)
Type of Requirement: Masks are required for staff in dine-in restaurants and bars and in barbershops, tattoo parlors, and cosmetology establishments
Puerto Rico
Masks Required? Entire Territory
Type of Requirement: Everywhere in public
Law Date: 4/10/2020 (est.)
District of Columbia
Masks Required? Entire Territory
Type of Requirement: Most Public Indoor Spaces (Including Public Transport & Biz's)
Law Date: 4/3/2020
Utah
Masks Required? Masks strongly recommended, provides masks for free
Type of Requirement: Strongly encourages, provides masks for free.
How to Stay Healthy
Politics aside, the recommendation is to follow the CDC guidelines and wear a mask. "COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Studies and evidence on infection control report that these droplets usually travel around 6 feet (about two arms lengths)," says the agency. "A cloth face covering may not protect the wearer, but it may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others."
As for you: To get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these Things You Should Never Do During the Coronavirus Pandemic.
