COVID-19: Reasons more states are taking off nose masks in US

*At least four states in the US have announced to residents to drop their nose masks, saying it is time to get back to the normal as confirmed virus cases decline in the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

With Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection cases on the decline across most of the United States (US), four states have now decided that it is safe to take off the nose masks.

Besides Texas and Mississippi, which announced the decision Tuesday, March 2, Montana and Iowa have also informed their residents it is time to get back to the ‘usual’ normal, agency report said.

ConsumerConnect reports the Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally, as compiled by Johns Hopkins University indicates the total confirmed virus cases in the US as of Thursday, March 4 were 28,763,373  with 518,530 as total deaths.

Globally, the aggregate global COVID-19 cases were estimated at 115,331,329 with total global deaths put at 2,562,739.

It was gathered, however, that as state mandates are ending in the country, consumers yet need to keep a mask handy when they go shopping.

Major retailers, such as Kroger, Best Buy, and Kohl’s, say their in-store mask mandates will continue to be enforced.

Report says the decision to drop nose masks use by these four states has produced criticism from public health officials, who say it’s too early to get back to normal because vaccinations are still in the early stages.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott rather told CNBC Friday, March 5 that the change is not that significant since Texas lacked the means to enforce the mandate.

Meanwhile, fewer Americans may receive a $1,400 cheque, as the Congress appears ready to pass the latest stimulus bill containing $1,400 for each American.

Though possible changes to the bill could mean fewer Americans would receive the payment, according to report.

US President Joe Biden stated he is open to a compromise with more moderate Democrats in the Senate who think the money should be more targeted.

In a meeting with some Democrats, Biden reportedly agreed to back new language that would lower the income threshold for people receiving the payments.

Various media outlets have reported different levels, but it appears the changes would be fairly minor after all.

Hitherto, the cutoff points for receiving the payments ─ part of the $1.9 trillion package ─ were incomes of $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for couples.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose last week, but the increase was less than expected.

This development suggests that the Labour market may be holding up as the pandemic nears the one-year mark.

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