Cities in Idaho that had mask warrants have started repealing them since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that vaccinated people do not need to wear masks in most indoor environments or exterior.
Boise Mayor Lauren McLean got rid of the city’s mask mandate and assembly limit on Friday and a few other towns quickly followed suit, including Hailey and Sun Valley.
On Monday evening, Ketchum also got rid of his health order. He had demanded masks and limited gatherings to 10 people.
“Now the onus is on personal responsibility,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “Keep yourself safe, keep those around you safe and good luck for everyone. “
The Ketchum board vote was tight – 2-2, and Bradshaw broke the tie. Council members who voted against the repeal feared it was too early, even for a week. They cited an opinion from the local medical community calling for keeping the inner mask mandate a little longer until more children can get vaccinated. Children between the ages of 12 and 15 are now eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, but were only able to start receiving their first injections last week.
Blaine County had some of the strictest public health orders during the pandemic, beyond state requirements. It also has the highest vaccination rate in the state; 61% of people aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated.
Other Idaho municipalities have also quashed mask warrants over the past month, including Pocatello, Driggs, Victor and Teton County.
Find journalist Rachel Cohen on Twitter @racheld_cohen
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