Dem governor cites "different place" of hospitalization rates for ending mask mandate

• Lamont said that Connecticut hospitals were not overwhelmed and that they were "able to do all the [elective surgeries]" that they needed.
• “I think now we’re at a different place, I think the numbers say we’re at a different place, and I think the people of Connecticut have earned it."

Between the lines: He also added that because the Omicron variant was less severe than the Delta variant, the mask mandate was not needed.

• While Omicron is more mild, it can still lead to weeks away from work, per Axios' Tina Reed.

The big picture: Connecticut is among several Democratic-leaning states lifting mask mandates, including New York, California, New Jersey, Delaware, and Rhode Island.

What's next: Connecticut is set to end its mask mandate on Feb. 28th.