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The Democrat-controlled states of California, Oregon and Washington are moving to drop mask mandates in schools and other indoor venues, just a day before Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.
What impeccable timing.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s (D) office released a statement Monday announcing all three states will drop their indoor mask mandates on March 12 and will instead simply encourage mask-wearing.
“California continues to adjust our policies based on the latest data and science, applying what we’ve learned over the past two years to guide our response to the pandemic,” Newsom stated.
CA continues to our adjust policies based on the latest data & science, applying what we’ve learned over the past 2 years to guide our pandemic response.
After 3/11 masks won’t be required but are strongly recommended in schools & child care facilities. https://t.co/VO1NJYkHna
— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) February 28, 2022
“Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high. We cannot predict the future of the virus, but we are better prepared for it and will continue to take measures rooted in science to keep California moving forward.”
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s (D) office released a similar statement announcing mask mandates for schools and other public places will be lifted on March 12.
“In Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority rules requiring masks in indoor public places and schools will be lifted after 11:59 p.m. on March 11,” according to the state website.
Two years ago today, we identified Oregon’s first case of COVID-19. After March 11 at 11:59 p.m., we will lift indoor and school mask requirements. Together, as we continue to recover from the Omicron surge, we will build resiliency and remain vigilant to protect each other.
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) February 28, 2022
“Other state and federal requirements, such as those for health care settings, public transit, and other specialized settings, will remain in place for a period of time.”
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) tweeted the same announcement, claiming his administration is “able to adjust the timing of our statewide mask requirement.”
“While this represents another step forward for Washingtonians, we must still be mindful that many within our communities remain vulnerable,” Inslee stated.
In light of new [CDC] guidance and continued decreases in hospitalization rates, WA – along with OR and CA – will be adjusting the timing of our statewide mask requirement to end after March 11. https://t.co/C8uKZ15t6v pic.twitter.com/352vyYoCDq
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) February 28, 2022
“Many businesses and families will continue choosing to wear masks, because we’ve learned how effective they are at keeping one another safe. As we transition to this next phase, we will continue to move forward together carefully and cautiously,” he added.
However, masks will still be required in health care, correctional, and long-term care facilities in all three states despite their known ineffectiveness.
Mask compliance in Los Angeles has remained consistently high over the past 6 months, yet cases rose 5,150% by January and then dropped 93% afterwards
It’s amazing politicians & experts are still getting away with the unequivocally false assertions that mask compliance matters pic.twitter.com/sSuiZyjc1i
— Ian Miller (@ianmSC) February 22, 2022
The coordinated announcements come just one day before Biden is set to deliver his State of the Union address amid a historically low approval rating of 37%, according to a recent Washington Post-ABC poll.
On Sunday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced statewide mask mandates for schools will be lifted on March 2.
Coincidentally, Congress also lifted mask mandates at the Capitol on Sunday, claiming “individuals may choose to mask at any time, but it is no longer a requirement.”
The Democrats know they need to tee up Biden to declare “victory” over coronavirus at his SOTU on Tuesday given the American people’s record high disapproval over his handling of COVID as well as the economy and the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
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