Home False: Only 15 states in the U.S. have a statewide mask mandate.

False: Only 15 states in the U.S. have a statewide mask mandate.

By: Varun Kumar

March 8 2021

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False: Only 15 states in the U.S. have a statewide mask mandate.

Fact-Check

The Verdict False

Thirty five states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, have a mandate for face coverings.

Thirty five states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, have a mandate for face coverings.In the United States, thirty-five state governments currently require people to wear face coverings to curb the spread of COVID-19. The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico also have mask orders in place. Some State mandates have exemptions for children aged two to 12, but broadly speaking, they require masks in indoor public spaces such as stores and restaurants, on public transit and ride-hailing services, and outdoors when unable to maintain six feet of distance from others. There are exemptions for those with disabilities and medical conditions that prevent the use of face coverings, and allowances for certain situations where masking is difficult. There are currently 16 U.S. states and territories without mask mandates. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.

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