VIDEO: Gov. David Ige says state indoor mask mandate to end March 25

Gov. David Ige today announced that the statewide indoor mask requirement will end March 25 at 11:59 p.m. when the current emergency proclamation expires but warned residents that the rule could be reinstated if COVID-19 cases surge.

The governor cited declining COVID-19 case numbers as motivation for the decision.

“We continue to see the trend moving in the right direction,” Ige said of reported COVID-19 cases. “It’s the continuing reduction in hospitalizations and COVID cases, in combination with the fact that we are now more than a week into the dropping of restrictions at the county level, that we feel comfortable that the trend is continuing. And we expect that by March 25, it will be even lower.”

>> RELATED: Outdoor masking optional at Hawaii public schools starting Wednesday

Ige thanked the public for their willingness to sacrifice for others in the community, saying he is proud of Hawaii’s response to the pandemic.

With the mandate sunsetting, Hawaii Department of Health Director Dr. Libby Char recommended that older residents and those with compromised immune systems continue to wear masks. Masking is also recommended at schools, crowded places, on public transportation, and other areas where the risk of exposure is high. The public is urged to wear masks when around those who are not vaccinated, Char said.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Education today announced mask requirements for Hawaii’s public schools will become optional at all campuses and DOE facilities outdoors beginning Wednesday.

Watch a replay of the video above.