A look back at the support, criticism, protests over mask mandates A look back at the support, criticism, protests over mask mandates By Tanner Holbrook and Keaton Eberly | May 14, 2021 at 7:58 PM CDT - Updated May 14 at 7:58 PM EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - With mask rules finally being lifted throughout the Tri-State, a look inside history books will show how these mandates drew widespread support, criticism and even protests over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s possible that face masks became a regular talking point across households when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first recommended that Americans wear masks last spring.