Omaha’s mask mandate is on track to end May 25 after the city council did not take action to extend it last Tuesday.

The order, which required businesses to require individuals age 5 and older to wear a face covering went in effect Aug. 11 and has been extended four times by the council.

However, the City Council did not introduce an extension at the April 20 meeting, setting the stage for the order to expire May 25.

As of last week, about 41.5% of Nebraskans were fully vaccinated the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said in a news release.

Widespread vaccine availability and the subsequent declining number of cases were the main arguments not to extend the mandate.

City Councilwoman Colleen Brennan told The Omaha World-Herald on why she thinks it’s time for the mandate to end.

 “Overall, things are going down and people are getting vaccinated, so I don’t really see a need for us to mandate (mask-wearing),” Brennan told the newspaper.

In order for the mandate to be extended again, the Omaha City Council would have to pass an emergency ordinance. Normally, without declaring an emergency, it takes three meetings to pass regular ordinances which go into effect after another 15 days.

As of last week, there were 93 people in Douglas County diagnosed with COVID-19 who were hopsitalized, with 33 of them receiving adult ICU level care.

Last week, the CDC updated its guidelines, stating individuals who are vaccinated can go without masks outdoors, except in crowded settings. The CDC still recommends masks indoors.

To make a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, find more information at vaccinefinder.org.

 In Douglas County, visit douglascountyhealth.com. In Sarpy and Cass counties, find more information at sarpycasshealthdepartment.org. Clinics are also now offering walk-in vaccination opportunities.