Massachusetts to Lift All COVID-19 Industry Restrictions May 29
Massachusetts is ending all remaining COVID-19 industry restrictions effective May 29, completing the Commonwealth’s reopening plan in time for Memorial Day weekend.
In a press conference today, Governor Charlie Baker announced that all industry COVID restrictions and capacity limits will be lifted on that date, as well as the Commonwealth’s face covering order also being rescinded May 29.
Baker pointed out that the restrictions were able to be lifted because Massachusetts is on pace to reach its goal of 4.1 million people vaccinated against the coronavirus in early June.
“Today, Massachusetts leads the nation in vaccinations,” Baker said. “We have over 3.2 million people fully vaccinated, and four million – nearly 75 percent of all adults – have had at least one dose of the vaccine. Virtually all of our residents who get the first dose return for the second, which is why we’re confident that goal of 4.1 million will be achieved in early June.”
Baker and his team took the weekend to mull over the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which announced last week that those who are fully vaccinated no longer needed to wear face coverings indoors or out or social distance. Baker pointed out that once the face covering order is rescinded on May 29, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will issue a new advisory that all unvaccinated people should continue to wear face coverings and socially distance when in public settings.
Face coverings will still be required on public and private transportation, including rideshares like Uber and Lyft; in transportation hubs such as train stations, bus stops, and airports; inside K-12 public schools; inside childcare programs; inside healthcare facilities and provider offices; in 24-7 congregate care facilities such as assisted living facilities and group homes; in prisons, jails and residential treatment programs; and in shelters and rehabilitation centers.
Effective tomorrow, May 18, there will no longer be a requirement for face coverings for youth athletes 18 and under while playing outdoor sports. Effective May 29, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted.
Also on May 18, face coverings will no longer be required for outdoor school activities such as recess, and objects will once again be allowed to be shared in classrooms and childcare settings.
The Baker Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps effective May 29.
Governor Baker will also end the State of Emergency June 15.