And some cities and towns have no requirements at all. Here's our running tally of which of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts have brought back masking rules. An appellate court justice has temporarily blocked the city from enforcing the mandate for police and fire departments. But this could all change: according to Mayor Michelle Wu, based on the latest data, the vaccine requirements could be lifted very soon. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. Please let us know how we can improve this page. The lack of state mandate has left individual communities to decide the issue of masking for themselves, resulting in a patchwork of policies across the state. What about masking rules for cities and towns? So many public health officials across the state believe it's safe to ease up restrictions. I know the restauranteurs said the vax proof mandate drove away customers, but the restaurants I visited were full. "When I heard the news that the mandate was lifted, I just thought it is progress. The State House, closed to the public for nearly two years, is finally reopening on February 22. A growing number of cities and towns across Massachusetts are rolling back their mask and vaccine mandates as COVID-19 cases decline. If you need assistance, please contact the Department of Public Health. Related:Natick implements a public mask mandate. CDC Updates COVID Mask Guidelines: What It Means In Massachusetts Beverlys mask mandate expiredat 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. isolation and quarantine guidance which includes wearing a mask in public for 5 more days after they leave isolation or quarantine on day 5, regardless of vaccination status. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at GBH, Transparency in Coverage Cost-Sharing Disclosures. Not every school is ready for that just . Where should you wear a mask indoors? This map shows the COVID-19 level Massachusetts mask mandate decision to be made next week For example, many restaurants in Cambridge require proof of vaccination. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. Only staff and vendors must wear masks at the following sites: adult day health programs, dental offices, speech, occupational and physical therapy settings and other freestanding medical/clinical settings that do not primarily care for patients with acute illness or immunocompromised patients. Together, we can create a more connected and informed world. Freestanding, outpatient behavioral health settings are not subject to the requirements of this Order. Two years of the emotional and physical ups and downs of living with the nagging anxiety about contracting the disease. Replies (10 . The state program can take a victory lap after the smash success of Wakanda Forever.. She suggested the Board of Health review the citys COVID-19 case data at its next meeting to determine wether to recommend altering the mandate or keeping it as is. BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) With COVID-19 rates in Massachusetts on the decline, some cities and towns are looking to adjust their safety protocols. Mayor Wu said this week that its possible we could get into the sweet spot in the next few days or so. Wu has cautioned, however, that if those numbers tick up again, the mandates could return all over again. It's Boston local news in one concise, fun and informative email. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. Boston may not be requiring masks anymore, but many say they'll keep Follow us so you don't miss a thing! Wearing a mask provides protection against COVID and other viruses, especially when indoors or in crowded spaces. Masks are optional for residents as further described in DPH Guidance: Caring for Long-Term Care Residents During the COVID-19 Response. Data from the Department of Public Health on Friday revealed that 5,218,681 Massachusetts residents have been fully vaccinated against the virus. Massachusetts on Tuesday loosened its mask guidance for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, now suggesting only certain groups at higher risk for the virus wear masks indoors. In late August, the state announced it will require masks in public schools for students over age 4 and all staffers, regardless of vaccination status, until at least Oct. 1. I do. Natick MA indoor mask mandate to end Feb. 28 - MetroWest Daily News It helps me relax" Anne Pofcher of Beverly said. Statewide, the Department of Public Health is advising fully vaccinated people to wear face masks indoors in public if they have have a weakened immune system, an underlying condition that puts them at risk for severe infection, or lives with someone who is at risk or unvaccinated. GBH News brings you the stories, local voices, and big ideas that shape our world. Only staff and vendors must wear masks at the following sites: adult day health programs, dental offices, speech, occupational and physical therapy settings and other freestanding medical/clinical settings that do not primarily care for patients with acute illness or immunocompromised patients. This article was originally published on August 30, 2021. Where they are, where they aren't, and when they (might) end. But overall, I think it will mean a little bump in sales.". Anthony Brooks Twitter Senior Political ReporterAnthony Brooks is WBUR's senior political reporter. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. A statewide mask mandate in schools is set to end February 28, but cities and towns are free to keep them in place if they so choose, and many of them are doing just that. As the African proverb warns, Do not throw away the oars until the boat reaches the shore.. She hosts Basic Black, which focuses on current events impacting communities of color and appears weekly on Beat the Press, examining local and national media coverage. Please check with your local government for the mask rules in your community. Thank you for your website feedback! Many Massachusetts Schools Return From February Break With No Mask Mandate February 28, 2022 / 5:00 PM / CBS Boston BROCKTON (CBS) - For the first time in months, students in most school. ), COVID mask guide:Why N95, KN95 masks are so much more effective than cloth, Last Tuesday, Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders told state legislators that Gov. The CDC recommends that you wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you can wear for as long as you need it. An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, This page, Mask Recommendations and Requirements, is. Others only require masks in public buildings. The CDC recommends that you wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you can wear for as long as you need it. moves to relax mask rules, students say COVID is still taking a toll. All key COVID-19 metrics, including deaths, cases, and . I am vaccinated and boosted, and the number of vaccinated Massachusetts residents is high, though people are still getting breakthrough infections. Wearing a mask provides protection against COVID and other viruses, especially when indoors or in crowded spaces. Listen Live: Classic and Contemporary Celtic, Listen Live: Cape, Coast and Islands NPR Station, 'A lot of bang for your buck' with jail-based arts programs, From slams to sidewalks, poetry is alive in Greater Boston, How American English has borrowed, stolen, and evolved into an imperial language, Worcester school counselor Sean Magwire is a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse says Supreme Court needs an enforceable code of conduct.
