Many states have been looking to lift their mandatory mask mandates, and few states have actually been able to do so. Texas lifted their mask mandate just on March 26, 2021. Texas isn’t the only state to lift their mask mandate. Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, have also lifted their mask mandates. Texas and the other 15 states decided to completely reopen their state. Governor Abbot felt that with the reduction of COVID-19 related hospitalizations and the COVID-19 vaccines that are being distributed, it was safe to lift the mask mandate. Although masks aren’t mandatory while being out in public, some businesses still require masks inside of their facilities. 

Coloradans were expecting their mask mandate to be lifted on April 4, but there was an extension on the mandate instead. Chloe Shultz (23) said, “Honestly I think it’s a good start for a new beginning of getting out of the pandemic. I hope that Colorado lifts their mandate soon too because they personally give me headaches.” A factor that goes into lifting the mask mandate is the percentage of immunization in the state, and only 15% of Coloradans are fully immunized. The mask mandate has been extended until at least May 6, 2021 in Colorado.