NPR

More Than 20 U.S. States Now Require Face Masks In Public

An alarming surge in coronavirus cases is forcing more states to require face coverings. Two of the worst-hit states — Florida and Arizona — still don't have statewide mandates.
Patrons wear masks as they sit on the outdoor patio of a restaurant on Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. California is among more than 20 states that require face masks to help combat the spread of the coronavirus.

More than 20 states have now issued orders requiring people to wear face masks in public as the rate of new coronavirus cases surges to record heights in parts of the United States.

The U.S. has recorded more than 1 million coronavirus infections over the past month alone, pushing the number of confirmed cases past the 3 million mark this week.

If more Americans cover their faces to prevent spreading the coronavirus, tens of thousands of COVID-19 deaths could be prevented in the coming months, according tobased on predictive models.

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