Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has relied on local data to guide its efforts to mitigate the crisis. This has included the department’s changing recommendations and mandates about wearing masks to reduce the spread of transmission.

In early April 2022, a worrying rise in case counts and hospitalizations prompted the City to announce a new mask mandate. Philadelphia residents masked up and redoubled their efforts to protect themselves and others. Thanks to them, the Health Department was happy to announce the end of the mask mandate on Friday, April 22, 2022. This decision was based on an assessment of hospitalization data and Philadelphia’s overall risk level.

Masks are still strongly recommended in indoor public settings to help reduce transmission and keep Philadelphia at a low risk level.