Officials in Orange County, California have announced that they will no longer require face coverings in public, however they are still recommended.

The face mask order, which was issued May 22 by former health officer Dr. Nichole Quick, was rescinded today by Orange County Health Care Agency Director Dr. Clayton Chau, who is acting as interim county health officer.

Dr. Quick abruptly resigned this week after receiving threats and experiencing protests outside her home following the mask order.

Dr. Chau said that the decision “is not because of the public push back on it, and we are not taking the masks away. We strongly recommend that people wear masks.”

The change comes as the county announces more businesses that can reopen in Stage 3 of California’s plan, including bars, gyms, movie theaters, hotels, museums, campgrounds, and public swimming pools.

How the new recommendations from the county will affect the rules that the Disneyland Resort puts in place when it reopens next month remain to be seen.

Source: Orange County Register