After what feels like an eternity, the day everyone has been waiting for has finally arrived! On February 28th, Governor Gavin Newsom finally set a date to lift the mask mandate. Starting March 12th all child care centers and schools will be able to free their faces! As great as this is, there are always downsides and worries about this large step people are taking after the past few years of having to wear masks. Let’s hope this time everyone won’t have to go back to covering their faces again.

Dr. Mark Ghaly said “Today is an important day for California, one that is driven by the data and the science”. California officials advise those who are unvaccinated should continue wearing their masks, but ultimately it’s their personal choice whether they decide to continue wearing them or not.

LA Unified, the largest school system in California, is fighting to keep masks on till the end of this school year. There is definitely a chance that they can bring this argument to the table but as of right now masks will not be required.

On Monday Governor Newsom vocalized that “Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high. We cannot predict the future of the virus, but we are better prepared for it and will continue to take measures rooted in science to keep California moving forward.” He also noted “California continues to adjust our policies based on the latest data and science, applying what we’ve learned over the past two years to guide our response to the pandemic.” With the possibility of more people getting covid, it brings stress and fear to many people.

It’s understandable that people are uncomfortable and scared to stop wearing their masks, as well as individuals around them without their mask, spreading their germs. Thankfully, those who feel more comfortable wearing their masks are more than welcome to.

We can only hope that covid cases won’t skyrocket again and land us back to mandated mask wearing once again. Thankfully as of right now everyone is welcome to stop wearing their mask on March 12th and show off their smiles. Is everyone ready to free their face?