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Philadelphia public and Catholic schools dropped its mask requirement on Wednesday, following the city Public Health Department's decision to end a citywide indoor mask mandate.

Superintendent William Hite Jr. said in a letter posted last week that "mask wearing would be optional for all students and staff, except those in our PreK Head Start programs," starting Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced in a letter that masks would be optional for all students and staff in Archdiocesan high schools as well as city parish and regional elementary schools.

The end of the mask mandate in city and Archdiocesan schools, except for PreK students and educators, takes effect a week after the citywide mandate was officially dropped.

Last week, city health officials announced that Philadelphia is moving into the "all-clear" phase of its pandemic recovery.

However, masks will still be required in health care institutions, congregate settings and on public transportation. City buildings, meanwhile, dropped its mask requirement on Monday though masks are still optional for visitors and fully vaccinated staff. Unvaccinated staff are still required to wear two masks while indoors and around others.

“I’m very hesitant to say (the pandemic is) over. What we’re saying today is right now we are in a much safer space than we were a few months ago, even a few weeks ago," Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole said. "And so we no longer need to require these restrictions, people can go about their lives, feel a little more normal."

Hite asked parents and students to be respective of everyone's decision to wear or not to wear a mask once the school mandate is lifted.

"Some people will continue to wear masks. Others will not," Hite said. "I ask that you thoughtfully consider your personal situation and family circumstances, and do what is best for you or your child – and please respect everyone else’s right to do the same, even if their choice differs from yours."