States reissue mask mandates as cases surge

Data: Compiled by Axios; Map: Danielle Alberti/Axios

Wyoming on Monday became the latest state to implement a mask mandate to fight COVID-19, amid a steep spike in cases across the country.

The big picture: States are reintroducing mitigation efforts like closing businesses and advising people to stay home as the U.S. averages the most daily cases of any point in the pandemic.

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• "Science tells us limiting gatherings of groups and using face coverings are effective in slowing transmission of this virus," said Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon. "With these actions we can avoid taking the more drastic step of closing schools and businesses."
• "Masks do not negatively affect our economy, and wearing them is the easiest way to slow the spread of the virus," said Utah Gov. Gary Herbert. "We cannot afford to debate this issue any longer. Individual freedom is certainly important, and it is our rule of law that protects that freedom."
• Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves only extended the mask mandate in 15 counties, which will be in effect until at least Dec. 11. Teachers and students are still required to cover their face.

Why it matters: The new surge in coronavirus cases has forced governors to enforce stricter mandates to prevent their hospitals from nearing capacity.

States/territories that are mandating facial coverings in public:

1. Alabama
2. Arkansas
3. California
4. Colorado
5. Connecticut
6. Delaware
7. District of Columbia
8. Hawaii
9. Illinois
10. Indiana
11. Iowa
12. Kansas
13. Kentucky
14. Louisiana
15. Maine
16. Maryland
17. Massachusetts
18. Michigan
19. Minnesota
20. Montana
21. Nevada
22. New Hampshire
23. New Jersey
24. New Mexico
25. New York
26. North Carolina
27. North Dakota
28. Ohio
29. Oregon
30. Pennsylvania
31. Rhode Island
32. Texas
33. Utah
34. Virginia
35. Vermont
36. Washington
37. West Virginia
38. Wisconsin
39. Wyoming

Of note: Some city and local governments such as Phoenix and Jacksonville have enacted mandates as well. Other states vary in exemption qualifications, such as cutoff ages for children as well as medical conditions. They also have rules for people in certain situations, such as taking public transit, shopping and exercising.

Go deeper: Mask mandates may have prevented hundreds of thousands of coronavirus cases