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(NEW YORK) -- California and New York, two states that imposed strict COVID-19 measures throughout the pandemic and were among the hardest hit, lifted most restrictions on Tuesday to much fanfare.
In California, the most populous state and the first to implement a stay-at-home order, that meant the end of a county-level, color-coded system that guided capacity limits and other mitigation measures. Venues, restaurants and bars can now operate at 100% capacity, indoors and out.
Fully vaccinated people also no longer have to wear masks in public, excluding health care settings, K-12 schools, public transit and office settings. New state guidance on masks in offices is expected on Thursday.