As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Philadelphia plans to bring back its indoor mask mandate for covered areas, public places, and educational buildings. On Monday, April 18th, masks will be mandatorily worn in those establishments. Citizens of Philadelphia have also been asked to report any businesses that aren’t complying with the mandate to 311, which is the city government office.

“As before, if an establishment, any type of establishment, chooses to be vaccine only, they can be exempt from the mask requirement,” Health Commissioner Cheryl Bettigole said at a news conference on April 11th, concerning the mandate.

According to NBC Philadelphia, COVID-19 cases rose more than 50% in 10 days, after cases seemed to slow. A new, highly transmissible BA.2 subvariant of Omicron is looked at to be the reason for the sudden spike. The subvariant continues to spread throughout Europe and Asia, affecting much of the U.S as well.

Philly’s mask mandate being put in place sparks a national conversation about if mandates across the U.S should be put in place once more. Because of the size of Philadelphia and the community it reaches, many are at least curious by the idea. But, no states have been reported to follow it’s decisions. As of April 13th, 2022, over 50 states lack a mask mandate, according to the The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Many have not acted in response to Philadelphia’s reinstation of the mandate, instead opting to remain by their own state guidelines.

Things such as money concerns have been brought up. For example, some tourists are less likely to visit if there is a mask mandate put in place, which contributes to the loss of economy in the affected states’ capital.

“I sincerely wish we didn’t have to do this again,” Bettigole said, in concern of the mask mandate.”But I am very worried about our vulnerable neighbors and loved ones.”