A step in the right direction but with Boston follow suit?
Recently, Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced they are relaxing their advice on masking for those who are vaccinated. Just another step forward towards normal life.
Health officials stated wearing a mask indoors is only necessary for vaccinated residents if they have a weakened immune system, are at increased risk of severe disease because of their age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in their household is at increased risk or is unvaccinated.
If you’re not vaccinated, you should continue to wear a mask indoors, said the DPH.
Places like public transportation, hospitals, health care facilities and nursing homes, masking is still required statewide.
For people who have tested positive or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 should follow the state’s isolation and quarantine guidance, which includes wearing a mask in public for five days after leaving isolation.
Last week, Governor Charlie Baker announced that the statewide mask mandate for schools in Massachusetts will end February 28. Mayor Michelle Wu told the press that she would not be dropping the mask mandate for BPS. At a news conference at City Hall, Wu said she is still looking for downward trends in COVID positivity rates and hospitalizations.
On February 18th, the B Together, the City of Boston’s proof of vaccine requirement for indoor businesses was lifted.
The Boston Public Health Commission plans to meet Tuesday to discuss the city’s mask requirements for schools and businesses. According to Politico, Mayor Michelle Wu said over the weekend that her administration is looking to “set some timelines and parameters” for easing the mask mandates while keeping in mind of how school vacation week could affect transmission. The city will also be looking at new CDC guidance that says vaccinated and boosted people can forgo face coverings in areas with low to medium Covid-19 risk. You can join the BPHC meeting here.
So hopefully soon we’ll know about the mask mandate.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
