It is important to stay vigilant regarding COVID-19 and its effects on, not only public health, but also public policy. The following is an excerpt from aarp.org. Click the link at the bottom for the full article. The article provides useful information that lists each state's current position on mandated face-covering, as well as, some of the unique aspects related to policy. As always, be safe and live well. - Foster K. Lester, PTA, Owner
"More than 30 states now mandate face-covering. Vermont comes under a statewide mask mandate Aug. 1, making it the 32nd state to require people to wear face coverings in public to curb the spread of COVID-19. The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico also have mask orders in place.
State mandates vary in details (for example, exemptions for children range in cutoff age from 2 to 12), but broadly speaking, they require masks in indoor public spaces such as restaurants and stores, on public transit and ride-hailing services, and outdoors when unable to maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
There are generally exceptions for people with disabilities or medical conditions that prevent the use of face coverings, and allowances for certain situations where masking is difficult, unnecessary or hinders communication (for example, when exercising alone, getting dental treatment or speaking with a hearing-impaired person). Some also include exemptions for people attending religious services."
https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/states-mask-mandates-coronavirus.html