SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.- Another mandate is now gone in the first state.
For the second time, masks are no longer required in businesses like restaurants, stores, or gyms.
For Shell We Bounce Trampoline Park, human interaction makes the experience more fun. Owner Julie Derrick says jumpers have been waiting for this day to come around again.
"We are relieved that it’s coming off," Derrick said. "It’s put a lot of pressure on my business. This time around I think the public already knows the drill. But I mean a lot of our customers were used to being unmasked."
While masks are no longer required in stores, there are store owners who are taking precautions to fight COVID-19. Blooming Boutique Owner Michiko Seto has put in an air filtration system into all of her stores to fight germs.
"I’m actually happy that the masks are coming off," Seto said. "You’re certainly welcome to wear them in our stores. We had taken a precaution last year so that in case it was still a problem that we were able to get machines in all of our stores that cover 3,000 square feet that put an extra level of protection for our customers as well as for our staff."
Even with the requirement gone, there are people who don’t have the choice to take the mask off. Stuart Stack of Catonsville, Maryland is recovering from cancer treatment and has to play it safe for himself and others around him.
"We’ve had neighbors, family members, people who have had COVID close by and it’s just not worth the risk," Stack said.
Governor Carney has made it clear that COVID-19 is still spreading in communities and health experts say just because there is not a mandate doesn’t mean it is time to ditch masks completely.
