Biden and Local Officials Avoid Lockdowns, New Mask Mandates in Omicron Fight

WASHINGTON—President Biden and many state and local leaders are urging Americans to wear masks and take other precautions in response to the Omicron variant but are largely avoiding endorsing broad mask mandates and lockdowns that marked earlier stages of the pandemic.

The steps reflect a view that the pandemic is in a different phase, with vaccines and boosters available, as well as a recognition that many Americans won’t accept a return to the toughest restrictions.

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