PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – The city of Philadelphia will soon cancel its mandate for an indoor mask, which came into force on Monday, Action News has learned.
Officials say the Health Council voted to revoke the mandate Thursday night after reviewing the latest data.
Officials strongly recommend that masks still be worn indoors. Further details on the camouflage policy will be announced on Friday morning.
# Breaking Phil. the mandate for the indoor mask is coming to an end. Per Phil. Health Department: “Due to the reduction in hospitalizations and the equalization of the number of cases, the City will move to strongly recommend masks in closed public places, instead of the mask mandate.” @ 6abc.
– Bob Brooks (@ BobBrooks6abc) April 22, 2022
The city said the mandate was returning because COVID cases had increased by 50% in the past two weeks.
But in a statement to Action News on Thursday night, the latest figures tell a different story:
“Due to the reduction in hospitalizations and the equalization of the number of cases, the city will move to strongly recommend masks in closed public places, instead of the mask mandate. According to the latest figures, BOH has voted in favor of revoking the mandate. “
SEE ALSO: Philadelphia indoor mask mandate, federal judge’s decision confusing
Philadelphia’s mandate was met with backlash.
A group of about 10 companies and individuals filed a lawsuit against the city over the weekend, arguing that the health department was excessive.
The mandate also caused confusion for city residents after a federal judge in Florida revoked the national mandate for a public transportation mask.
Although the Ministry of Justice has said it will appeal the decision, masks are not yet mandatory for most aircraft and public transport, such as SEPTA and Amtrak.
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