1:54 p.m. – Des Moines mayor repeals mask mandate A mask mandate for Des Moines that was put in place in August has now ended. The change is a response to new CDC guidelines that say people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to cover their faces in most situations. In a statement Friday, Mayor Frank Cownie thanked residents and businesses who followed the rule. He also urged people who are not vaccinated to have it done before Independence Day gatherings take place this summer. Masks are still recommended in places such as hospitals and in congregate settings and for people who are unvaccinated.