South Portland has dropped its city-wide mask mandate as Feb. 23. (Photo by Derek Davis photo/Press Herald

SOUTH PORTLAND — South Portland has dropped its city-wide mask mandate as of Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 23.

At a workshop last week, six out of the seven councilors voted in favor of lifting the mandate, according to a press release sent by the city. On Feb. 23, Mayor Deqa Dhalac issued a mayoral proclamation ending the civil state of emergency in South Portland.

According to a statement made by City Manager Scott Morelli, the city mandate went into effect on Jan. 24 due to the rise of in transmissions and the significant hospitalization numbers of the COVID-19 omicron variant.

“City councilors requested that the city manager issue such a regulation under certain emergency powers available to him following the declaration of a state of civil emergency in the city,” Morelli said. “This declaration was made due to the rise in COVID transmission driven by the omicron variant and significant hospitalization numbers. The city’s code of ordinances allows the city manager to issue certain regulations when the city is in a state of emergency.”

The city also ended its mask requirements for municipal buildings and facilities, effective Feb. 24. City officials strongly suggest wearing a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status. Masks will be provided in all municipal buildings for all staff members and visitors who request one.