The City of Beloit joins the Rock County Health Department in removing its local mask mandate.

The Beloit City Council voted unanimously Monday night to terminate its ongoing public health order requiring face covering and social distancing in spaces open to the public.

City Manager Lori Curtis-Luther said businesses are still allowed to require masks at their own discretion, and the city will keep their own COVID-19 rules in place for city-operated facilities.

The change follows updated guidelines from the CDC, which recommends but does not require unvaccinated people to remained masked.

The county health department removed its order on Friday, and the city of Beloit is deferring to them for public health recommendations moving forward.