Biden's State of the Union is open to masks

Before Biden's State of the Union speech on Tuesday, the Capitol's attending physician informed the congressional offices that masks were no longer necessary.

Biden's State of the Union is open to masks

WASHINGTON -- Members of Congress and others attending President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Tuesday will not need to wear masks, Brian P. Monahan (the Capitol's attending physician), announced in a Sunday notice.

According to the notice, KN95 and N95 masks were no longer required. Wearing a mask is now an option.


 

Monahan cited a decrease in Covid-19 cases and new guidance that was announced late last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Monahan noted that Washington, D.C. is now at the "green level," which means that there are fewer coronavirus prevention steps.

According to an internal email obtained from NBC News, the White House has also updated its mask policy . This allows fully vaccinated employees not to wear masks at work. This change will be effective Tuesday for all staff working in close to President Joe Biden. Other protocols for Covid, such as regular testing and vaccination requirements, are not being modified by officials.

According to the Capitol physician’s notice, the average case rate at the test center for the building has fallen to 2.7 percent over seven days, while the rate for D.C. has dropped to 4.7%. D.C. will lift its indoor mask requirement at certain venues on Tuesday.

Monahan stated that nearly 90 percent of Covid-related infections at Capitol have been reported in those who were vaccinated.

He stated that "Breakthrough" infections among staff and members have not resulted in deaths, serious complications or hospitalizations. This is attesting to coronavirus vaccinations.

Many Republican legislators on the Hill wore masks despite being required to do so in the House. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), was slapped with multiple fines because she refused to follow the rules.

The CDC declared Friday that the majority of Americans can live without wearing a mask indoors, even in schools.

Biden will deliver his first State of the Union address in office as president at 9:15 p.m. ET on Tuesday. However, Biden will deliver his first State of the Union address as president at 9 p.m. ET.