New Hampshire no longer recommends masks in most indoor spaces as COVID-19 declines

New Hampshire is no longer recommending that face masks be worn in indoor public spaces, including schools, as the number of COVID-19 cases in the state continues to decline.

State health officials said that even though COVID-19 is continuing to circulate, the risk of serious illness has declined to the point that masks are no longer routinely necessary.

"As the risk decreases, we can pull back on some of the recommended prevention strategies," said Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist. "We are no longer recommending universal face masks for people in indoor public locations, unless required in specific situations."

>> COVID-19 in New Hampshire updates: Important information

The new recommendations mean that masks won't be recommended in indoor spaces such as restaurants and schools. Gov. Chris Sununu noted that there are still federal requirements in place that mean masks must be worn on public transportation, including school buses, and in health care facilities.

He said people who wish to further protect themselves or their families can still wear masks.

"Some people will still choose to wear masks. This is not about mask shaming," Sununu said. "Private businesses can still choose to mandate masks or have other requirements."

Sununu said that schools can no longer require that masks be worn because that would conflict with the new guidance. He said it might take some time for schools to bring their policies into line with the guidelines, and the Department of Education will work with those districts.

"Schools really need to transition their policies away from the mask mandates, which virtually every school district is doing, across the state," Sununu said.  ...