New Mexico, Washington join states lifting indoor mask mandates

New Mexico and Washington on Thursday joined a growing number of states that have announced intentions to lift indoor mask mandates.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced the change during a press conference Thursday, saying the change would take effect immediately and removing her own mask, The Associated Press reported. Cabinet members and allies of the governor reportedly followed suit.

Masks will still be required in certain places, including hospitals and other congregate care settings, New Mexico Health and Human Services Secretary David Scrase said, according to the AP. The state has had a mask mandate in place since August and previously hadn’t set an expiration date for the requirement.

It wasn’t clear if the governor planned to alter any other coronavirus-related policies.

In Washington state, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) on Thursday announced the state’s mask mandate would be lifted on March 21, though the requirement would remain in place in jails, long-term care facilities and hospitals, according to the AP.

They can also be required by local governments and private businesses. 

Beginning on March 1, those attending large events will no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination to enter, according to the news outlet.

A number of states have announced intentions to do away with requirements for indoor masking, including California, New York, Illinois and Massachusetts. Some of the them will still require masking in schools, however, or still require it of unvaccinated residents.