WASHINGTON - Safety measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 seem to gradually be giving way in parts of the United States.
Massachusetts and New York are the latest Democrat-led states to ease mask mandates, despite evidence that the surge in the Omicron variant is not yet over.
They follow similar announcements this week in New Jersey, California, Connecticut, Delaware and Oregon.
Public health officials, however, remain divided over whether the time has come to begin easing restrictions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend wearing a mask in indoor settings where the risk of transmission is high.
CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky says the agency will continue to review and update its guidance based on the latest available science and data.