(Des Moines, Iowa) -- Des Moines' face mask mandate is no longer in effect.
Mayor Frank Cownie removed the mandatory face covering requirement in Des Moines Friday afternoon, effective immediately, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control recommendations.
On Thursday, the CDC said those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer have to wear a mask indoors or outdoors or maintain social distancing.
Cownie says those who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a mask, but they are not required to do so.
Des Moines' mask mandate had been in effect since March of last year.