California is expected to discontinue the mask mandate for indoor public places and hopefully schools by next week. Masks will still be required for unvaccinated people in high-risk areas such as hospitals and overpopulated schools. On Monday, February 7th, 2022 “the state’s indoor mask mandate will expire Feb. 15, as new cases have decreased by 65 percent. Unvaccinated people will still be required to wear masks indoors” said California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). California is not alone with the mandated lift; Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Oregon have also announced timelines for around February 15th. Although masks in schools are still required, our state is trying to lift the mandate in those places as well. The mask mandate will affect ordinary people everyday including you! Will this cause COVID cases to rise?