Montgomery encourages COVID-19 vaccinations after mask mandate expires, new CDC guidance

DOTHAN, Ala. – Any new mask mandate appears unlikely in Montgomery after city leaders allowed an existing mandate, enacted in 2020, to expire on May 9.

Days later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new masking guidelines for fully vaccinated Americans. With a few exceptions, the CDC says fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks, even indoors.

Though Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said last week he wasn’t “comfortable” allowing the city mask mandate to expire on May 9, the expiration date passed without further action from the City Council or mayor’s office.

Montgomery City Council President Charles Jinright confirmed that the municipal mandate is “gone.” He said he’s noticed businesses around Montgomery beginning to take down signs about mask requirements.

Jinright said the city continues to urge people to get vaccinated.

“Either you get your shot, or you don’t,” he said. “And if you don’t, you could get sick.”