Philadelphia Lifts Indoor Mask Mandate

Philadelphia health officials have lifted the reinstated indoor mask mandate that went into effect earlier this week.   

Philadelphia Lifts Indoor Mask Mandate

Philadelphia health officials have lifted the reinstated indoor mask mandate that went into effect earlier this week. 

"Due to a recent leveling-off of case counts and a decrease in Covid-19 hospitalizations in the city, masks are strongly recommended, but are no longer required in public indoor settings, with the exception of healthcare and congregate settings," Philadelphia's health department tweeted Friday morning. 

The decision comes three days after the indoor mask mandate took effect on April 18. The city on March 2 had dropped its indoor mask mandate, and on April 11 announced plans to reinstate it in light of increasing Covid-19 case counts.

No major U.S. city had joined Philadelphia in reinstating the mandate since the April 11 announcement.