New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on Thursday (Feb. 17) that the state’s indoor mask mandate is ending immediately.
Grisham made the surprise announcement at a press conference covering the ending of the state’s 2022 legislative session. She did not give details surrounding her decision to end the indoor mask requirement, which covered all residents over the age of two.
“I’m announcing … that the mask requirement for indoor settings is gone,” Grisham said. “If you’re not vaccinated, I don’t know if its the best idea, but it is no longer an indoor setting requirement.”
Several lawmakers in the same room cheered the decision while others let out audible exhales.
“I’m delighted not to be wearing a mask,” added the governor.
This marks a very sharp shift in mask mandate messaging for New Mexico.