Boston's source for local news. As of February 8, 42 of them were allowed to drop their mandates under a state program that allowed schools to qualify for an exemption if they had high vaccination rates. While it is too early to say if it will be lifted, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said they will look at all of the data before making a decision. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. Dozens of schools across the state are already mask-free. The BOH had declined to officially recommend a mandate just a few days prior, though both sitting members had said they would be in favor of one. All rights reserved. After all, higher quality options such as N95, KN95 and three-ply surgical masks have been shown to offer wearers greater protection against even the highly contagious omicron variant, according to USA TODAY. We will use this information to improve this page. Masks will still be required on buses statewide, even if theyre not mandatory in classrooms. community health centers and clinics or other licensed medical/clinical settings that care for patients with acute illness and/or immunocompromised patients (e.g. Key numbers from the state Department of Public Health show infections, hospitalizations and positive test rates peaked in January and have been steadily dropping since. Download the latest advisory, updated June 10, 2022: Please do not include personal or contact information. Download the latest advisory, updated June 10, 2022:Updated Advisory Regarding Masks and Face Coverings PDF| DOC. Billerica: Masks required in indoor public spaces or private spaces open to the public. But keep in mind that we've had three big spikes since this pandemic began two years ago and we could have another one. Masks continue to be required in the settings defined below, except for when eating, drinking, sleeping, or as provided for in applicable guidance, and for an individual in a group that is exempt from the Order. And hospitals are still full of people struggling to recover from COVID-19 infection. 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. Per a release from January 28, the city said they plan on keeping their current COVID safety measures in place until Sunday. Beverlys mask mandate expiredat 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. With cases and hospitalizations both down in Massachusetts, some think it is time to ease up on restrictions, while others are still not comfortable taking masks off. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. We couldn't do it without you. Wearing a mask provides protection against COVID and other viruses, especially when indoors or in crowded spaces. Replies (10 . All rights reserved, With cases and hospitalizations both down in Massachusetts, New COVID Cases in Mass. As for vax mandates, school staff in Boston right now need to be vaccinated, but a new agreement struck with the city will allow unvaccinated teachers back into the classroom if case counts are low, and they agree to take COVID tests twice weekly. With Cantons vaccination rate hovering around 80%, the town will be voting on lifting their mask mandate Monday night. moves to relax mask rules, students say COVID is still taking a toll. WBZ-TV reports Worcesters leaders are going to ask the Board of Health to rescind the policy on Monday. Callie Crossley hosts Under the Radar with Callie Crossley and shares radio essays each Monday on GBHs Morning Edition. Other Massachusetts communities that have either voted to drop their mask mandate or allowed it to expire include Beverly, Billerica, Malden, Mansfield, Lowell and Worcester. Consider wearing a mask especially if you have a weakened immune system, if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease. Editor's Note: We have stopped updating this list as of Nov. 23. Feb 11, 2022 at 1:10 pm ET. Were hearing conflicting messages from city, state, and federal officials, not to mention from health experts weve been told to heed all along. If this mandate prevents one person from having to seek medical care from our severely overtaxed health care system right now, then I think weve done the right thing, fellow board member Alexandra Rubin said. Freestanding, outpatient behavioral health settings are not subject to the requirements of this Order. The state program can take a victory lap after the smash success of Wakanda Forever.. Where they are, where they aren't, and when they (might) end. Board Chair Dr. David Moore said a dramatic increase in the citys COVID-19 cases last week prompted action. Photo by Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images. Some places, like Medford, Malden, and Melrose, require masks only in municipal buildings. A lock icon ( April 22, 2022 / 5:45 PM / AP. You skipped the table of contents section. Boston, the. Follow us so you don't miss a thing! And some cities and towns have no requirements at all. In many cases, the requirement is limited to municipal buildings. Keep in mind, these advisories and mandates only come from local governments. The state Department of Public Health has relaxed its masking guidance, saying this week that people who are unvaccinated, or who have certain health conditions or compromised immune systems, or live with people who are at higher risk, should wear masks while sharing indoor spaces with other people outside their homes. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has a mask mandate that runs through the end of February. Consider wearing a mask especially if you have a weakened immune system, if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease. Please limit your input to 500 characters. Updated: Jan 7, 2022 / 06:13 PM EST. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at GBH, Transparency in Coverage Cost-Sharing Disclosures.
Tijuana Journalist Andrea,
Shooting In New Iberia Today,
Fatal Car Accident Pine County, Mn,
Louis Angelos Baltimore Orioles,
David Weekley Homes Chapel Hill, Nc,
Articles M