coronavirus

When Will Mass. Lift Its Mask Order?

Gov. Charlie Baker said Friday that he expects to provide an update soon

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Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said in a tweet Friday that he’ll update the state’s reopening plans early next week.

Baker’s comments came a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance saying that fully vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks indoors or out in most situations.

“The @CDCgov guidance is great news. We will be updating our reopening plans early next week,” the Republican tweeted. “Massachusetts is on track to vaccinate more than 4 million residents soon. Please stay safe while we prepare next steps to return to our new normal.”

Two weeks ago, Massachusetts began to ease up on mask requirements by allowing residents to go maskless in outdoor public settings as long as they could continue to socially distance from others.

Face coverings are still required at all times in indoor public places, including stores. Store owners can still refuse entry to any customer who won’t put on a mask.

Face coverings also continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except when eating or drinking.

After more than a year of wearing masks or face coverings, the CDC says you can take them off in or outdoors if you've been fully vaccinated against the virus, but it appears not everyone is ready to. And private businesses are still able to choose whether they'll mandate masks or not.

Under the state’s existing reopening timetable, beginning May 29, street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals will be allowed to open at 50% of their previous capacity, and bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90-minute limit and no dance floors.

Beginning Aug. 1, other businesses will be allowed to open, including nightclubs, indoor water parks, ball pits, saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers and health clubs.

Copyright Associated Press
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