Philadelphia, US Restores Indoor Mask Mandate

Published 12 Apr.2022 08:34(KST)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Philadelphia, an East Coast city in the United States, has decided to reimpose indoor mask mandates due to the spread of the stealth Omicron variant.

On the 11th (local time), Philadelphia announced that it will reinstate the indoor mask mandate starting from the 18th, as cases of stealth Omicron infections have surged across the northeastern United States, according to CNBC and others.

Sheryl Betigol, the city's health director, said at a press conference, "If we do not take action now, it will be too late," adding, "Restoring the indoor mask mandate is an opportunity to get ahead of the pandemic."

This decision comes just over a month after the city's health authorities lifted the mask mandate in schools on the 2nd of last month. CNBC analyzed that "the indoor mask mandate in Philadelphia was lifted in less than two months."

Currently, Philadelphia is reporting an average of 142 new daily cases. The Wall Street Journal explained that this is "a 50% increase compared to 10 days ago." The average number of COVID-19 hospitalizations is also 46 per day.

The city's education authorities have already mandated masks for students returning from spring break starting on the 18th. CNBC explained, "This measure means that the mask mandate will apply not only to universities but also to all schools and daycare centers within the city."