The Gov. Charlie Baker Administration announced Monday morning all of the state’s remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted on May 29, including the face masks restriction in all except a handful of settings.
Baker will end the now 15-month-long state of emergency on June 15.
Effective May 29, all industries will be permitted to open with a capacity of 100%, the administration announced, and the state’s gathering limit will be rescinded. All industries will be encouraged to follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols, according to the release.
The state’s face covering order will be rescinded on May 29 as well, although a new order in line with the CDC’s updated guidance will be issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities, and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings, according to the release. Face coverings will remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers.
The decisions come with Massachusetts on track to meet the goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week of June.
