New CDC guidelines set off rush to reimpose mask mandates Associated PressFILE - Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adjusts her face mask during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on the federal coronavirus response on Capitol Hill in Washington, in this Thursday, March 18, 2021, file photo. Walensky says new mask-wearing guidance, coupled with higher rates... By PHILIP MARCELO Associated Press New guidance from the federal government set off a cascade of mask rules across the nation Wednesday as cities, states, schools and businesses raced to bring back mandates and others pushed back against the guidelines at a time when Americans are exhausted and confused over constantly shifting pandemic measures.