New Hampshire Lifts Mask Mandate

New Hampshire became the first New England state Friday to drop the mask mandate after Republican Gov. Chris Sununu declined to renew the order on Thursday.

“As fatalities continue to decline, as hospitalizations remain manageable, and as vaccinations continue to increase, the state’s mask mandate will not be renewed tomorrow,” Sununu tweeted Thursday.

THREAD: As fatalities continue to decline, as hospitalizations remain manageable, and as vaccinations continue to increase, the state’s mask mandate will not be renewed tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/w1jKVJQZXn

— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) April 15, 2021

“This mandate going away will not limit or prevent the ability of private businesses or cities and towns from requiring masks, as was the case beforehand. New Hampshire residents know how to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe without a state mandate –just as we did before the winter surge.”

Beginning on May 7, the state will also drop other coronavirus restrictions on retail and restaurants under the “Safer at Home” order, according to NBC 10 Boston. (RELATED: It’s Been Three Weeks, Where Are The COVID-19 Surges?)

“Everyone is really doing their part to stare down COVID,” Sununu said during a press conference Thursday, according to NBC 10 Boston. “The pandemic is not over, and we’re not declaring victory by any means on any of this, but our successes to date have created opportunity.”

The state was the first to have more than half of their eligible adult population receive at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, according to Fox News. Twenty-seven percent of eligible residents have been fully vaccinated and 56% have had at least one dose, according to The New York Times (NYT).

Sununu was vaccinated on April 10.

Just got my COVID-19 vaccine at the @NHMS — a big THANK YOU to all of the incredible volunteers, state employees, and staff who make the process so seamless! #603Pride pic.twitter.com/9vPfxnbuB7

— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) April 10, 2021